+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6m transverter I've been using the Ten Tec 1208 transverter with my K2 since the beginning of June. The previous two years I was driving it with a Ten Tec Argonaut 515. Difference between the 515 and K2 is night and day. The noise blanker in the K2 is the most effective I've ever used. The 1208 kit is easy to build and align (and inexpensive: $95!). Until Elecraft comes up with their built-in 6 meter transverter the 1208 is the obvious choice (did I mention QSK automatic TR switching?). Six meters isn't open very often, but when it is amazing things can be done with QRP. 73 Gary, N7IR DM43bi (aka NW Chandler, AZ USA) email: gary.hembree at asu.edu ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 19:32:29 +0300 From: "Tsachy Lindenbaum" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6mtr option...in K2..??? Better yet - try a DEM xvrtr with the k2 and you'll fall in love again. 20 watts out of 100-200 mw in, crystal clear reception, superb sensitivity and most important - fun to build. 73 - 4Z4TL, Isaac L. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Wheeler" To: "M. van Wijk" Cc: Sent: ??? ????? 26 ????? 2001 18:20 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6mtr option...in K2..??? | | | "M. van Wijk" wrote: | > | > Hi! | > | > I wonder if there have been any thoughts on implementing 50Mhz as a possible | > band in the K2?? | > | | Some time ago there were a number of msgs from K2 owners who are using | the Ten-Tec 6 meter transverter with success. Given that, I'm not sure | how large the market would be for an Elecraft product along these lines. | | Phil W7OX +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 14:48:32 -0500 From: "Stuart Rohre" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6mtr option...in K2..??? having the Ten Tec kits, I am happy to see May QST show how to make the 2m Ten Tec transverter go to 220 MHz. That means you can combine a K2 with a 6m, 2m, and 220 VHF capability, at $95 per band, or maybe a little more. The Ten Tec transverters have a nice case that even looks good with the K2. Their assembly manuals and the K2 manual also have the same high quality. It is a good combination, and maybe Ten Tec would let Elecraft remarket the TT kits with Elecraft colors on the cases! :-) 72, Stuart K5KVH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:18:29 -0700 (MST) From: Gary Hembree Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6mtr option...in K2..??? Perhaps each company can just concentrate on their strengths. Down East Microwave makes high quality transverters and accessories (relatively expensive) for all of the bands from 50 MHz to 10 GHz. Ten-Tec makes relatively inexpensive transverters, kit or assembled, for the 6 (TT 1208) and 2 (TT 1210) meter bands. The Ten-Tec transverters are very easy to interface to a QRP rig and have fun with (and now, if you modify a 1210, on 222 MHz also). Elecraft makes the premier HF transceiver kits that have ever appeared on the market. I don't think it makes sense to ask Eric, Wayne and Co. to add options which the average enterprising ham can get now, elsewhere, and at a reasonable cost. DEM makes a simple low power 10 to 2 meter transverter board that will fit in the lid of the K2 (3"x5"). They made it especially for down-converting their microwave transverters to a 28MHz IF. The PC board kit costs $89: 144-28DCK. Many people have put them inside Radio Shack HTX-100's to make microwave transverter drivers (see http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/journal.htm ). A relay switching scheme like the one mentioned in the article can be used for now to toggle the K2 between HF and 2 meters. When Elecraft comes out with their transverter interface the interconnection will be trivial and the operation will be fully integrated into the K2 firmware. 73 Gary, N7IR DM43bi K2 #1078 + TT 1208 + 5 el Yagi. 45' 48 States, 22 Countries on 6 meters in 11 months ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 21:27:19 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6 meter transverter for the K2? I'm currently using the TenTec 1208 transverter with my K2 on 6M. It works great. Last week I worked Hawaii, Australia, and Argentina on 6M using a short boom (4 ft.) 3 element yagi. The sunspot gods are smiling on us right now! Basically the 1208 just plugs in line with the K2's output BNC. it takes about 2 to 4 watts of drive to get full output. It also has a bypass switch in it so you can still hook up your HF antennas to the 1208's bypass antenna port. Plus it fits on top of the K2 perfectly. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 14:19:00 +0300 From: "Tsachy Lindenbaum" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6 meter transverter for the K2? DEM has gone a LOOOOOONG way on the xvrtr since that QST review. I use both the ten-tec 1209 (on my ts711) and DEM xvrtr with K2. Both are good - DEM superior (200$ price delta though). 73 4Z4TL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 02 May 2001 13:51:07 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6m Transverter for K2 The Ten-Tec 1208 is an excellent transverter. I use it with my K2 and the pair hears better than my FT-736R on 6M. There is absolutely no problem with the TX keying. It is diode switched and silent. 73, Eric WA6HHQ KENNETH ROBERT MCGUIRE wrote: > > I am interested in adding 6 M to my K2,... > > Honestly, I am leaning to the cheaper option of the Ten-tec, but I just > have the feeling that using an inexpensive transverter with the K2 is like > attaching an ox cart to a racing horse... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 14:19:00 +0300 From: "Tsachy Lindenbaum" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6 meter transverter for the K2? DEM has gone a LOOOOOONG way on the xvrtr since that QST review. I use both the ten-tec 1209 (on my ts711) and DEM xvrtr with K2. Both are good - DEM superior (200$ price delta though). 73 4Z4TL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 18:55:27 EDT From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Subject: [Elecraft] K2 w/2.01 Firmware and DEM 6m Transverter Eric posted information a few weeks ago about transverter use with the K2, and, wanting to get on 6m for some time, decided to go with the Down East Microwave (DEM, Inc.) 6m-to-10m kit that he was using as well. Completed the DEM kit a few days ago and have it interfaced to K2 #139 with the new firmware installed. The secondary menu function allows for setup of 3 transverters. The submenu allows control of RF frequency (set to 50 for 6 meters) which configures the K2's frequency display; IF frequency (set to 28 Mhz); frequency offset to compensate for inaccuracies in the transverter LO/K2; and K2 output power limit so you don't inadvertently cook the transverter by applying too much drive. This output is fixed at the set level; i.e., not adjustable using the K2's power knob. K2#139 has the ATU and 160m options as well as an internal T/R switch normally used with a Hercules II amplifier. The ATU allows selection of a second antenna (ANT2) and the 160m option a separate receive antenna (rAnt off/on in the primary menu). This is very convenient considering that many transverters, DEM included, have separate connections for the RX IF and TX IF. The T/R switch is necessary to switch the transverter between RX and TX. The K2 is configured with "trn1"; set up for 6 meters, and set to use ANT2 and rAnt On. Having set it up this way, when scrolling through the bands using BAND+ or BAND-, the K2 display comes up with six meters between 10m and 160m (displays 50XXX.XX), and automatically selects ANT2 and rAnt On. I have the K2 power output set for 2w and installed a 10 dB attenuator inside the DEM to reduce it to about 200mw. The only cable change required is the T/R switch: unplug the Hercules PTT cable and plug in the transverter PTT cable. This hints at a wish list feature for future firmware and/or hardware so the manual cable change is unnecessary! Another thing for the wish list: allow Pout to be adjustable up to the limit set by the secondary menu rather than fixed at that level regardless of power knob setting. In other words, have it behave like the Po28 limit. This is useful if you want to vary the transverter's power output. This note is not intended to be a review of the DEM kit, but it appears to be a high performance unit. A review in QST several years back wasn't very complimentary but the current kit addresses all the "legitimate" concerns. There are no other parts to buy if you purchase the complete kit. I intend to measure the noise figure and gain using lab instrumentation at work this coming week. The unit's LO does drift somewhat but not enough to be a problem on CW/SSB after it has been on for a few minutes. PSK31 testing with WA1SKQ reveals that, even after the unit has been on for hours, drift can be noticeable as the unit heats up during transmit but reports on 6m CW and SSB have been excellent. 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2001 01:01:27 -0700 From: lhlousek Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transverter with K2 Hi Scot, I'm using a TenTec 6 meter transverter with my K2. The KAT2 has two antenna outputs. You can set one of the K2's transverter bands to read out the actual 2 meter frequency and assign ANT 2 to the transverter band so that every time you switch to 2 meters ANT2 is automatically selected. The KAT2 remembers it's tune for each band and ANT so you can simply tune on 50 ohms on the 2 meter band and ANT2 and it will return there every time you select the 2 meter band. Lou W7DZN +++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2001 15:26:11 -0800 (PST) From: Curt Milton Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6 Meter Band This topic has been well covered before, here is a brief summary. Yes there is some CW activity on 6m when its open, which is rare but very fun when it is! And to see when its open, listen for CW beacons from approx. 50.060 to 50.100. The preferred place to operate CW on this band is just below 50.100. Operating below 50.125 which is the SSB calling frequency should best be done only for DX. A good way to get on 6m with a K2 is to get a transverter. An effective and economical solution is the 1208 from TenTec. This unit is designed for a 2-4 watt drive level and outputs about 8 watts on 6m. It can be used for CW and SSB modes. A good antenna for 6 is a dipole or a two element quad - the latter is not very big and can easily be constructed from PVC supports. I have had a lot of fun with my TenTec transverter even working DX while "barefoot" at 8 watts or less. curt wb8yyy - --- Mychael Morohovich wrote: > Hi! > > I am curious about the 6 meter band for CW, and also > wonder what can be > done to best augment the K2 in this regard. Any info > is appreciated. > > Thanks, > > Mychael // AA3WF > > K2 #102 +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: "Trevor Day" , "Elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 & 6m transverters Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 07:48:12 -0500 Hi I have built both the TenTec and DEM transverters. They both work very we= ll with the K2. The TenTec is easier to build, has a very good manual and= it is very easy to connect to the K2. Just one cable. It has built RF se= nsing and fast diode T/R switching. It has a front panel antenna switch s= o it is easy to switch from HF to 6 Meters. The TenTec is not quite as go= od on power out (6-8 watts) and dynamic range on receive. =20 The DEM will output about 20 watts but is a difficult kit to build. The m= anual is not very good and there are some surface mount parts to deal wit= h. There is very little troubleshooting information and the one I built h= ad the band pass filters prebuilt and aligned on the board from DEM. The = only problem the manual said not to adjust the filters as they were preal= igned, but they were not even close. I could only get about 1 watt out un= til I went through the alignment, then all was well 20+ watts out. It alw= ays bothers me when a manual tells me not to adjust something because its= factory aligned. Even if it is prealigned I want to know how to do the a= djustment. Anyway if you can get through the build, the DEM is most likel= y the best transverter on the market. It has relay T/R switching that req= uires the K2 to provide the switchover signal. If I were building a DEM f= or myself I would toss out the case and build it in a EC2 or better yet t= he soon to come EC1.5. This is the case the 100 watt tuner will be in. It= s a 1/2 high EC2. I think Elecraft is planning to sell it in a blank form= like the EC2. It should be possible to mount 2 DEM transverters in the c= ase maybe a 6 and 2 meter. If you want try 6 meters and want to build an easy kit with good performa= nce and easy connection to the K2 then I would go with the TenTec. If you= want super performance and don't mind a little more work in the building= and a little more difficult interfacing to the K2 then go with DEM. As a= lways JMHO. Don Brown KD5NDB ----- Original Message ----- From: Trevor Day Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 4:13 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 & 6m transverters Hi All, For the past 12 years or so I have been using a homebrew 6m transverter, of fairly basic design along with a TS430S for 6m which is my main interest. Now I have my K2 I would like to update the 6m station by using the K2 along with a new transverter (preferably kit built). The only kit with any pedigree that I am aware of is that from Down East Microwave but, before I commit myself, does anyone have any alternatives that I should consider? Additionally, (and this is the lazy bit because I could probably find it myself) should I be ordering the external amp kit to assist in switching the transverter, or indeed anything else? I plan to build the transverter in an EC2 case. Any comments welcome, Tnx and 73 Trev G3ZYY K2 #2637 -- Trevor Day +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 06:47:38 -0400 To: Trevor Day From: Charles Greene Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 & 6m transverters Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Trevor, I am using the Ten-Tec 20 to 6 transverter. It does a good job at 6-7 watts. It will tune the whole band with the K2, but it's aligned for the low end and performance falls off above 50.4. That is really adequate as the K2 doesn't do FM. Ten-Tec also has one that goes from 10 to 6. ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 09:28:15 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: msadams at buffalo.edu Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Transverters and VHF + Gear? None are planned any time soon. The Down East Microwave (DEM) transverters are great. That's what I use with my K2. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ===================== Mark Adams wrote: > I am ready to take the plunge and improve my vhf QRP contest station by > building a K2 and DEMI transverters. If I do this and then Elecraft comes > out with better vhf+ stuff, I will not be happy :-) > > So, does anyone know if any transverters or other vhf+ accessories are in > the works? > > Thanks, > Mark K2QO +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 10:13:17 +0100 To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Geoff Cottrell Subject: [Elecraft] K2 & 6m transverters I have been using the TenTec 6m transverter with the K2 for about 2 months and am delighted with the results. My antenna is a simple rotary dipole. With that setup I have been able to work a considerable number of stations in EU in the few openings we have had in this period. In my view, the main pros of the TenTec/K2 system are: 1. Construction/alignment of the transverter is very simple 2. Interfacing with the K2 is trivial. No "key line" is needed as all - T/R switching is done via sensing diodes in the TenTec. The QSK is as good on 6m as it is with the K2 alone, i.e. superb (and better than my FT1000MP(V)!) 3. The transverter kit is available in the UK for less than =A3100. 4. When the magic band is open, the 8W from the system works well in getting qsos; when the band is closed, no reasonable amount of power will help. Of course, pile-up busting might need some help in the qro department - but I'd prefer to enhance my 6m antenna first. 5. I built the whole system myself. 6. A number of stns have complimented my audio quality (using Heil Mic). Hope this helps 73s ++++++++++++++++++++ From: Tim ORourke To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 07:27:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] 6m transverters The TenTec xverters are OK but from my experience the DEM or SSB are better especially if you are going to operate in contest enviroment. Tim W4YN +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Sherman Banks (W4ATL)" To: "Elecraft List" Subject: FW: [Elecraft] 6m transverters Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 07:14:57 -0400 I built the Ten Tec 2>10M transverter. It went together well and works well. The only bad point is that it is RF actuated, which simplifies hook-up to the rig. But I would prefer a PTT line for faster switching using CW and SSB. Also, the oscillator difts slightly during warmup. About 500 Hz. -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Eric Manning Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 1:56 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] 6m transverters Walt K8CV kindly pointed out that Tentec has both 20 -> 6 and 10->:2 metre transverters in kit form. Does anybody have any experience with either building these or using them with the K2?? Are they in the elecraft league for **QUALITY** ?? 73 -- Eric Manning VA7DZ VE3DPV K2 #2561 "Pauline" +++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "bob baxter" From: "bob baxter" To: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6m transverters Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 06:23:20 -0700 Eric, I built a TT 1208 transverter (20m to 6m). The kit goes together very nicely and the manual is well done. The transverter works very well and is easy to hook up to the K2. I just wish there were a few more people using 6 meters in this part of the country. Bob Baxter AA7EQ Bisbee, Az. ++++++++++++++++ To: Eric.Manning at engr.uvic.ca, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 09:08:00 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6m transverters From: k6se at juno.com Eric, VA7DZ wrote: "Walt K8CV kindly pointed out that Tentec has both 20 -> 6 and 10->:2 metre transverters in kit form. Does anybody have any experience with either building these or using them with the K2?? Are they in the elecraft league for **QUALITY** ??" ========== About a year ago I built the Ten-Tec model 1208 6-meter transverter. No problem getting it on the air with my FT-1000MP and it put out 8 to 10 watts on 6 meters. Worked 36 of states with it last year, including east coast from California and several DX countries using a vertical ground plane antenna up 15 feet. It will work with any HF transceiver capable of adjusting the 20-meter output down to 5 watts. It's RF switching works fine and, like Elecraft, a pleasure to not be hearing any TR relays clacking while you operate. All of the features of the HF transceiver are useable while operating on 6 meters. Yes, it's in the same quality league as Elecraft, including the temperature drifty oscillator :-) It's an easy and inexpensive way of putting your HF rig on VHF and it works well. 73, de Earl, K6SE ++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 11:37:00 -0700 To: Eric Manning , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Jeff Stai WK6I Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 6m transverters At 10:56 PM 8/5/2002, Eric Manning wrote: >Walt K8CV kindly pointed out that Tentec has both 20 -> 6 and 10->:2 metre transverters in kit form. > >Does anybody have any experience with either building these or using them with the K2?? > > >Are they in the elecraft league for **QUALITY** ?? hi Eric - the TT 1208 was the first kit I built - it went together very well - the instructions were clear and easy to follow. I used the 1208 mostly way before I had my K2, but I have used them together a few times and they play together quite nicely. With the 1208 and an FT101E and a 3-element at 20 feet, I was able to work several states and about 100 grids, including coast to coast double-hop. Highly recommended! - 73 - jeff wk6i ps: While the DEM and SSB units may give you a notch up in performance over the 1208, my understanding from a couple friends is that the DEM units are more challenging to build, and are more expensive. Dunno about the SSB units. Jeff Stai Twisted Oak Winery LLC Email jds at twistedoak.com Amateur Radio WK6I ROC Web Page http://www.rocstock.org/ ++++++++++++++++++