++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 10:59:12 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Miniature Magnetic Loop Antenna Article on Elecraft Page Hi, We have just added a great article on 'Miniature Magnetic Loop Antennas' by By David Posthuma, WD8PUO, to the Elecraft web page. Dave has done a great job describing his experiments and results with these antennas. The article includes pictures and diagrams of his designs. You can find Dave's article in our Elecraft monthly 'Tech Notes' section at: http://www.elecraft.com There are links to this section on the left and right side of our main page. (Look for the small loop antenna picture on the right.) I have several more great articles to format and post to the page too. (On transverter interfacing, RX filter optimization etc.) Stay tuned.. 73, Eric WA6HHQ - -- http://www.elecraft.com +++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 11:13:34 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] New Ham Pictures added to Elecraft Picture Gallery We have just added 23 new K1/K2 owner pictures to our 'Picture Gallery' at: http://www.elecraft.com Look for the picture of the 'K9-K2' on the right size of our main web page for the link. This group of pictures includes a number of international pictures, including those from: G4RXV/LX, F6GKQ, NP2B, G3JAG, VK1BL, OH0CW, DL4TJ, DF4WX, VE7ARD/IS0, EA3DLV and KC4USV. Domestic pictures include ones from: W7DZN (with K9 Guest Op - monthly highlight), WB9LPU (with custom machined paddle), WA4PQD/6 (custom station accessory), N0RC (fox hunting bug), K0WA, KT5X, W6JD, W3ZVT, K3SRO, N2AQJ, WB3AAL, N3AO and AB6GY. I have received many more pictures than I can post now so I'll be adding them in the coming months. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 12:09:51 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elbug paddle? It is made by Schurr in Germany and is called the 'Portable Wabbler'. In the states it is sold by Morse Express ( MorseX.com ). I believe it sells for $250.00 73, Eric WA6HHQ David Pratt wrote: > > What make and model is the e-bug paddle featured in the photos of the K2 > on the Elecraft web site? That is, the golden finished one with clear > finger pieces. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001 14:44:32 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Shipping update (KAF2s, MH2s ship) KAF2 audio filters and MH2 microphones are now shipping as of Wednesday, Sept. 5th. (2 Days early!) It will take us about 3 weeks to ship all of the KAF2 backlog and 1 to 2 weeks to ship the MH2 backlog. We are also now including the KI6WX PSK31 changes with all KSB2s shipped after 9/5. (This only involves a couple of part value changes.) 73, Eric WA6HHQ - -- http://www.elecraft.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 11:12:20 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Shipping Status I've just updated the Elecraft Shipping Status web page at http://www.elecraft.com Everything is now in stock and we should be fully caught up with our existing KAF1 and KFL1-4 / K1-4 backlogs by the end of this week. Thanks for the orders! 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 17:57:38 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K1-4 and KFL1-4 info updated on Elecraf page. We've just uploaded new descriptions of the K1-4 four band QRP rig and the KFL1-4 four band module, including new pictures of the KFL1-4, to our K1 page at: http://www.elecraft.com 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 15:21:27 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Manual download page updated We've just updated the Elecraft manual download page with the latest document versions, including the latest data sheets for the K1/K2, K1/K2 Banner Ad, KIO2 and K160RX manuals and the latest errata for: K2, K1, KSB2, KNB2 and KBT1 manuals. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 17:51:15 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Custom MP-1 Antenna Now Available From Elecraft Elecraft has teamed up with Super Antennas to bring you their excellent MP-1 portable antenna customized for your K1 or K2. This special version of the MP-1 exactly matches the textured gray color of the K1 and K2. The MP-1 is continuously tunable from 7 MHz to 50 MHz by sliding the loading coil's cover up and down and can handle up to 150 Watts. The complete antenna system breaks down into short sections that will fit into any small portable carrying case, including the K2 TacPac (tm) from Mountain-Ops. It is small enough to use from a hotel room table or clamped to an exterior window. It also makes an excellent mobile antenna. (Its standard 3/8" threaded base fits most mobile brackets and mag-mounts.) This is an excellent portable and mobile antenna which we have been using extensively during our travels to regional hamfests. If you have visited our booth you may have seen it set up next to our demo K2. Our introductory price for the Elecraft version of the MP-1 is $144.95 (Regular price $150.00) For a detailed description see: http://www.elecraft.com/SA/mp1_from_elecraft.htm For info on the K2 TacPac see: http://www.mountain-ops.com 73, Eric WA6HHQ - -- http://www.elecraft.com - --- ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 17:58:39 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] QRP is! Confessions of a QRO op gone QRP. Team Vertical (K2KW, KE7X, N6XG, W0YK and N6BT) entered the CQWW CW contest this year from Jamaica running all K2s at 5 Watts. It now looks like they have blasted through at least five North America CQWW CW QRP records and four World Records! As an example, the claimed score for 6Y1A on 10M was 843,700 versus a previous world record of 431,060. Ed, W0YK, has written an excellent article with pictures on the Team Vertical Effort titled: 'QRP is! Confessions of a QRO op gone QRP.' This article is reprinted with permission from the Northern California Contest Club (NCCC) newsletter. To find out how they did it, and how we converted five confirmed KW+ QRO op's to QRP, you can read .pdf of the article on our web site at: http://www.elecraft.com/DXpeditions/QRP_is.pdf I hope we see more of these big QRP contest efforts! 72, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 18:28:40 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] New Article on Transverter Interfacing to HF rigs I've just added a new article to our Tech Notes page at http://www.elecraft.com It is titled "Transverter Application Notes" and was written by Dave Olean, K1WHS, and Jay Rutherford, K1UC. It covers in detail the interfacing of transverters to the K2 or just about any other HF radio. Thanks again to Dave and Jay for writing this! 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 21:02:30 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Holday Shutdown Elecraft will be closed for the holidays between Dec 25 and Dec 30, and on Jan 1 for a much needed rest. Of course our voice mail and secure web order form will still be working OK during that period ;^) All voice mails and emails received during this period will be answered when we return to the office. Also, our repair department will be closed between Dec 22 and Jan 6th. Please DO NOT MAIL ANY REPAIR UNITS to us between now (12/16) and Jan 6th. If you do need to have repair or alignment work done on your Elecraft kit, please email sales at elecraft.com for return authorization. They will also let you know the date you can send in the rig to us and will give you the proper address to send it to. (Repairs are NOT mailed to our Aptos location.) Thank you again for your patronage and support this past year. Its been an exciting (and exhausting..) year for us as we have grown Elecraft. We look forward to 2002 as being an even better year for everyone and we hope to bring you more exciting kits to build! 73, Eric (WA6HHQ), Wayne (N6KR) and the whole Elecraft team. - -- ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 11:00:20 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Jan QST major Mojo Major Mojo in the January QST. 1. New product release with pics of EC1 & EC2 enclosures. 2. New product release and pic of KFL1-4, K1-4. 3. QRP Power column on K1 with pics. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 12:43:52 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Additional K2 Transverter Article We have just added some additional comments from John, K1JD, regarding interfacing transverters to the K2 to our Tech notes page at http://www.elecraft.com Thanks John for the great addition! 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2001 09:21:29 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] List server program upgrade coming soon In the next week or so qth.net will be upgrading the server program used for the Elecraft list from the majordomo package to the Mailman software package. Mailman has a number of enhanced features that make my life easier as list manager and it also includes additional user features like the ability to suspend direct emails to your address without unsubscribing from the list. It also supports web based viewing of list archives sorted by thread, subject, author or date. All users will be transferred automatically. You will receive a welcome message when you are transferred. At that time you should change your posting address to the one referenced in the welcome message (probably elecraft at mailman.qth.net). For a short time the elecraft at qth.net address will still work, but it will be shut down shortly after the move. If you are interested in learning more about the gnu based Mailman software, check out http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/index.html In the mean time keep using the elecraft list as usual. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 18:08:18 -0500 To: "James C Samuels Jr" From: "Alan L. Waller" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Archives Question Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net They are in the process of being moved In the interim they are at http://www.qth.net/archive/elecraft/elecraft.html 73, Al ++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2002 16:46:27 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: EleCraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] New Posting Address for Elecraft list. Hi, I've noticed some of you are still using the old 'elecraft at qth.net' address to post your Elecraft list emails. We're now running on a new mail list server, mailman. The old address above is being forwarded to the mailman list address for a little while, but it will go away soon. Please send all new list postings to: elecraft at mailman.qth.net and update your address books For further information on subscribing, unsubscribing, setting digest mode and reading the list archives go to http://www.elecraft.com/elist.html 73, Eric WA6HHQ List Manager ++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 17:21:30 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Old Elecraft archives available I've corrected the link to our older archives on our email list web page.( www.elecraft.com/elist.html ) The link for email prior to using the new mailman server (about Jan 1, 2002) is: http://mailman.qth.net/digest/elecraft-digest.archive/ 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 11:54:13 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] New K1/K2 Builder's for Hire I've just updated our 'Builder's for Hire' web page with several new entries, including one who will build for free for anyone. (I bet he gets over booked quickly..) See: http://www.elecraft.com/k2_builders.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 12:36:45 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Cc: k7zh at att.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 BUILER ALERT: RFC8 Installation and Voltage Checks We recently revised the K1 assembly manual. If your manual is revision F (dated Jan. 24, 2002), you'll need to make the following correction: On page 30, at the top of the right column, is a section titled "DC Voltage Checks." Above this title, write "Install RFC8 first--page 31, right column, 7th step." If RFC8 is not installed at this point, some of the DC voltage checks at the bottom of page 30 will not be correct. (This was discovered by K7ZH--thanks, Duane.) Wayne N6KR +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 14:04:38 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Cc: qrp Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 Kit Enhancements Based on feedback from customers, we've made a number of minor changes to the K1 transceiver kit that will make it even easier to build and align. We've been shipping the revised kit (manual revision F) for about a month. Changes include: - simpler transmit offset alignment, thanks to the addition of a small slide switch on the bottom of the RF board that turns the transmit carrier oscillator on/off - addition of a jumper block for selecting the source voltage for the RF detector (RF board or KAT1 antenna tuner), making it easier to install or remove the KAT1 option or align new filter boards - RF board updated to incorporate all required changes and added components - attenuator on/off audio artifacts eliminated - VFO potentiometer tuning linearity improved - owner's manual completely updated to reflect the new 4-band version of the K1 We'd like to thank everyone who built the K1 and sent us manual corrections and suggestions over the past year. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 11:13:29 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L Subject: [Elecraft] Pre wound toroids offered for K1, K2 and accessories For those of you who don't have the time to wind toroids, Mychael Morohovich - AA3WF, an independent contractor, is offering this service directly to Elecraft customers. His work has been evaluated by Gary in our support group and found to be to Elecraft standards. He accepts payment via PayPal and regular mail. For your convenience we've added his order form to our web site. See: http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/ToroidGuy/toroidguy_prewound_toroids.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 12:27:52 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Opportunity for a few more K2/100 Field Testers -- snip -- The KPA100 retail price will be $349 plus shipping. Field Testers will receive a discount. -- snip -- Here is some general information on the K2/100 and the Field Test: The "K2/100" refers to the completed K2/100 100 W radio. The "KPA100" part number refers to the The K2/100 integration kit which completes your K2 as a K2/100. (This parts kit is an internal integral part of the K2/100 as manufactured by Elecraft and will not work with other radios.) Customers who order a K2/100 will receive a base K2 with the KPA100 integration kit, along with any other options they have ordered. (KSB2, KAT2 etc.) The KPA100 internal parts kit includes the following K2/100 parts: - Built in RS232 computer control interface - SWR and power monitoring circuitry (accurate at high and low power) - Supervisory microcontroller with fault detection (high SWR, TEMP, Current etc.) - Diode switched high power T/R - Heatsink (replaces existing K2 top cover; no change in outside dimensions). - Internal speaker (mounted to the heatsink). Same as the current K2 speaker; no need to remove the speaker from your original K2 top cover. - and 100W internal components -- snip -- To date our main delay has been waiting for delivery of the production version extruded aluminum heat sinks. (We are using machined heatsinks in our prototypes.) These parts are now scheduled to arrive this week. We are kitting the KPA100s in advance waiting for their delivery. During this time we are also finalizing the KPA100 FT manual and the FT firmware. ++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 10:06:45 -0700 From: Gary L Surrency Subject: [Elecraft] Builder Alert! IOC PIC labeled incorrectly as KSB2 PIC Hi all, It appears some recent K2 kits were shipped with an IOC PIC (U1, on the RF PCB) that were incorrectly labeled. As many as 20-25 of late serial number kits may be affected. These PICs have the correct code programmed in them, but are just labeled incorrectly. This IC will be in the RF parts bag. If you also have a KSB2 SSB kit, try to not mix up the SSB PIC from it with the one in the K2 kit that is mislabeled. This could lead to confusion as to which PIC is which! :-) Be sure to install the IOC PIC (possibly labeled incorrectly as KSB2 104) with the reference index or notch located over the matching notch in the IC socket. See page 36 of the K2 manual. Use ESD precautions to avoid static electricity damage. Touch a grounded piece of metal before handling the IC, or better yet - use a wrist ground strap. Power on the K2 when the Alignment and Test, Part 1 calls for it, on page 41. You should see INFO 201 if the SSB-labeled IOC is the correct part. Once you determine your SSB-labeled IOC is the correct PIC, you can carefully re-label it as follows: Carefully peel off the original incorrect KSB2 label: -------- KSB2 104 -------- Cut a small piece of adhesive-backed label approximately the same size as the original one, and label it as follows: --------- K2 IOC 102 ---------- Affix this new label to the IOC at U1, RF PCB. This will prevent confusion if the kit ever is sold, or needs service. No harm will occur if you install the wrong IOC PIC, but you will get an error code of INFO 80 if the IOC is not the correctly programmed one. Our apologies for this error. Let us know if you have any problems. E-mail: support at elecraft.com Gary Surrency AB7MY Elecraft Technical Support +++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 13:05:23 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Announcing the Elecraft K2/100 Transceiver It's here! Our K2 transceiver--one of the best-performing HF rigs available at any price--is now available in a 100-watt model. The K2/100 is based on the K2, with the same features and same world-class receiver performance. It's the only transceiver you can buy that has the portability and efficiency of a QRP transceiver, but--when you need it--packs a 100-watt punch. The K2/100 includes a number of features that distinguish it from other 100-watt transceivers: - Rugged, fully-shielded 100-watt stage using conservatively-rated power transistors - Silent, diode-switched transmit/receive (no T-R relays) - DC input uses reliable, easy-to-assemble Anderson Power Pole connectors - Built-in true RS-232 control port, equivalent to our KIO2 option (an $89 value) - Light weight (about 5 pounds) and low receive-mode current drain (150-500 mA) for enhanced portability--the ideal rig for DXpeditions and field use - Dual power supply capability, with automatic switching to a low-current backup supply or battery for emergency operation at the 15-watt level - Instant high/low power switching just by rotating the POWER control; in low-power mode, the 100-watt stage is bypassed and turned off to minimize current drain - All basic K2 features, including dual VFOs, RIT/XIT, full break-in CW, memory keyer, narrow IF crystal filtering, excellent dynamic range, and IF-derived AGC The K2/100 shares a number of options with the K2, including the KSB2 SSB adapter, KNB2 noise blanker, K160RX 160 m adapter with second receive antenna jack, KAF2 audio filter/real-time clock, and MH2 Heil/Elecraft hand mic. Please refer to our web site (http://www.elecraft.com) for further details. For a few early product reviews on the K2/100, see: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2357 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 11:55:10 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Builder Alert #16 not needed for s/n 2696+ or f/w version 2.02f+ One minor correction. My email should have said: K2s with f/w version 2.02E or later --or-- serial numbers 2696 or higher (including all currently shipping K2s) do not need to add the wire in this fix. Thanks to Geoff, K6TFZ, for catching this! 73, Eric +++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 17:17:10 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft list archive (before 2002) now in web format The original Elecraft archives (1998 - Jan 1, 2002) are now available in web format (same as our current 2002 archive format) at: http://mailman.qth.net/archive/elecraft/elecraft.html Scroll down that page for the older archives. The 2002+ archive is located at: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft And don't forget VE3MCF's great topically organized archives at: http://www.qsl.net/ve3mcf/elecraft_reflect/index.html 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++ 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, 11 Sep 2002 14:57:11 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: k6se at juno.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K6SE's Missing Parts email Hi Earl, I personally apologize for the missing parts in your KPA100 kit. We work hard to get it perfect every time, but we make mistakes on occasion. We try to catch any kitting errors by 100% checking at least two kits out of each run of 60, but occasionally a few parts are missed. When that happens we try to get the replacement parts out to customers within 1-2 business days of our receipt of their request. Occasionally that can slip several more days due to parts shortages on this end. We also try to keep them informed of our status via email of there is any additional delay. I was a caught off guard by your complaint regarding the Fed Ex charge since you asked Scott to send the parts to you that way at your expense. In any case, I can certainly understand your position so I've also put a credit for $15 on your account towards future purchases to compensate for the Fed Ex. charge. If you would like us to credit your card instead please let me know. Fortunately this doesn't happen with all of the kits we ship. If it did we wouldn't get much work done around here.. Interestingly, a significant number of the missing parts requests we get are due to lost, misplaced or misidentified parts at the customer end. Since it is impossible for us to know this at the time of the parts request we still send out the replacements at no charge. Our goal is to make your building experience as enjoyable as possible. We frequently get calls back later asking us if we want the extra parts back :^). I reconstructed the timeline for your original parts request from our email records (see below). From this I can definitely see one area where we can improve our response time. Gary normally enters all parts requests received via support at elecraft.com and Scott sees them the next day (due to the delay synchronizing Gary's database to ours.) This can add an additional day delay to our response time. To speed things up we have added a direct parts request email address that goes immediately to Scott in our parts department. The new address is: parts at elecraft.com . Email addressed this way is filtered into a unique email folder to keep it separated from Scott's other support email. Gary will also forward any parts requests he receives immediately to Scott via parts at elecraft.com rather than just entering them into his database. This should speed up our spare parts response time. I will also be adding a direct link to this on our web page shortly. Elecraft is still quite small compared to our competitors. We try to make up for this through innovative products, personal contact with our customers and by listening to their concerns. That's also why we sponsor the Elecraft list as an open email discussion list. The feedback we receive here helps us improve our support and product designs. Please feel free to email me directly at eric at elecraft.com in the future with your concerns. I frequently do not read the Elecraft list postings the same day, so my response there can be delayed. I will do what ever I can to address your concerns in a prompt manner. Regards, Eric WA6HHQ ============== +++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2002 15:48:19 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Cc: w1hue at ida.net Subject: [Elecraft] Builder Alert #17: More accurate current metering APPLICABILITY K2 serial numbers 0001-2855 BACKGROUND The K2's current readings (in V/I DISPLAY mode) can be made both more stable and more accurate by the addition of a single capacitor. The capacitor goes from the "ISENSE" line to ground (Control board). This was brought to our attention by Larry, W1HUE/7, who discovered that RF was getting into the ISENSE line, especially on 160 meters. By adding a cap on ISENSE, he dropped his 160-meter transmit-mode current reading by over 20% and reduced the "bouncing" from one value to another. We have since confirmed this on several other K2s. It may eliminate false "HI CUR" indications on the lowest bands that were due to the artificially high readings caused by RF on the line. MAKING THE MODIFICATION You'll need a capacitor of anywhere from .01 to 0.1 uF (10 to 100 nF), ceramic or monolithic. Solder the capacitor across R7 on the Control board, keeping leads short. Make sure the capacitor doesn't contact any adjacent pads or component leads. In addition to this capacitor, we recommend increasing the size of C42 on the Control board from .01 to 0.1 uF (or larger; ceramic or monolithic, not electrolytic). If you have installed a KPA100 option in your K2, you have probably already done this, since an 0.1-uF cap is supplied with the KPA100 kit for use at C42. If you don't have any suitable capacitors in your junk box, send a request to parts at elecraft.com and we'll send you two 0.1-uF caps at no charge. NOTE: Two capacitors will be supplied for this mod in all K2 kits with s/n 2856 and higher, and their installation will be covered in the manual errata sheet. 73, Wayne, N6KR ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 18:09:28 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KBT2 and Battery price reduction We have been able to get a price reduction on the batteries used in our KBT2 battery option for the K2. Effectively immediately the KBT2 price is reduced to $67 and the replacement battery price is reduced from $40 to $28. 73, Eric ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 18:17:23 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] New Parts and Mod kit order form We have installed a new parts and mod kit order form on our web site at: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm We have included many of the most requested parts and mod kits on the form and will be adding more to it based on demand. If you don;t find what you want there you can always email parts at elecraft.com directly with your request. We are testing this form in a shopping cart format and will be converting our main kit order forms to this format in the next several weeks. (The pull down lists on our current forms were getting way too ling..) When that conversion is complete you will be able to order parts and mod kits along with regular K1, K2 and accessories orders at the same time from the web site. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 18:23:31 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: QRP-L Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Price changes take effect Oct. 15th. Hi, We will be making several small changes to K1 and K2 pricing next month to reflect increased parts costs. We have worked hard to keep our prices low and have been absorbing the cost increases from our suppliers. We have limited these changes to $5 to $10 dollars per product. The K2 base price will increase from $589 to $599. The K1-2 will go from $279 to $289 and the KPA100 will go from $349 to $359. Full details can be found on our price list page at: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_price_list.htm All orders received before October 15th will be honored at our current, pre increase, prices. Happily, as noted earlier, we have also been able to get a price reduction on the batteries used in our KBT2 battery option for the K2. Effectively immediately the KBT2 price is reduced to $67 and the replacement battery price is reduced from $40 to $28. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002 12:16:32 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 and K2 replacement front panels added to parts form We have updated the Parts and Mod Kit order form with the addition of replacement front panels for the K1 and K2. See: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ ===== +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 04 Oct 2002 14:31:13 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft Shopping Cart Order Page; Fed Ex shipping now offered We have simplified our on-line order forms into an easy to use shopping cart format. By adding products, parts and mod kits to your shopping cart, you can mix and match and order everything you need at one time. See our Product Order Page and Parts & Mod Kit Order Page: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_prod_list.htm http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm For those of you who want your kits as soon as possible, we have added Federal Express as a shipping option in addition to our regular Postal Service Priority and Express Mail options. Our shopping cart automatically calculates your shipping cost as you build your order, and you can change the shipping method any time before you check out. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2002 10:28:18 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: QRP-L , GQRP Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2 and Option Manuals Index Fred, KE7X, has compiled an excellent keyword index to the K2 and its option manuals. I have added the .pdf file to our manual download page at http://www.elecraft.com Thanks Fred! 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 15:09:32 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L , GQRP Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft KAT100 ATU Released We have just added the new KAT100 150W external ATU (also QRP ready) for the K2 and K2/100 to our web page and order forms at http://www.elecraft.com The direct link for the KAT100 page is: http://www.elecraft.com/kat100/kat100_page.htm We will be introducing the KAT100 for sale next week at the Pacificon ARRL convention in Concord, CA, Oct. 19th. The KAT100 is an ideal match for the K2/100, and will also work with the K2. It can easily handle 150 watts, and its 10 LEDs accurately monitor SWR during transmit. Like the KAT2, the KAT100 includes two antenna jacks--it's like having two ATUs in one. Because of its tight integration with the K2, the KAT100 offers many advantages over other external auto-tuners: Low profile (1.2" high) design -- same footprint as the K2. L/C settings stored in EEPROM--instant recall on band or antenna change Matches 10:1 SWR loads. Automatic power reduction when TUNE is pressed Dual-range bridge allows tune-up with as little as 0.2 watts Direct display of power, SWR, and other data on the K2's LCD Interfaces directly with the K2 via the AUX port (DB9 + 'Y' cable on KPA100 or KIO2). Same K2 control and menu features as the KAT2 QRP tuner. The low-profile KAT100-1 ($239) can be placed beneath the K2, while the full-height KAT100-2 ($219) is intended for side-by-side arrangement with the K2 and mounts inside the EC-2 project enclosure. The KAT100-2 includes front and rear panels that match our EC2. (EC2 sold separately.) Pre-wound toroids for the KAT100 kit are also available from Mychael, AA3WF. There is a link on our KAT100 page to his order form. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 12:59:47 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KAT100-2 pics added to web page We have added pictures of the KAT100-2 installed inside the EC2 to our KAT100 page at: http://www.elecraft.com/kat100/kat100_page.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2002 22:07:37 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: AC6JA at aol.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2 alignment service? Yes we do! In general you should be able to tune up the K2 with the instructions in the manual. But for those who don't have the time to fine tune your settings, or who really want that factory stamp of approval, we offer this service. Full alignment and calibration is $89.00. Of course, if we find something wrong with the rig there will be additional repair charges. Contact sales at elecraft.com and they will issue you a repair authorization number and give you the address to ship it to. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ==== AC6JA at aol.com wrote: > > does elecraft provide an alignment and calibration service for the K2 and if > so how much? it would be nice to make sure that the K2 is within > specifications and have all the parameters checked and documented for an > individual's K2, ie; sensitivity, selectivity, audio output, spectral purity, > etc. > > mike ac6ja ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:28:57 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L , GQRP Subject: [Elecraft] Musings on an Experiment in QRP, by Bob Locher, W9KNI We have added a new article to our web site: Musings on an Experiment in QRP, by Bob Locher, W9KNI (.pdf Reprinted by permission from CQ Magazine, October 2002). Bob is also the author of the book 'The Complete DX'er'. Bob describes how he re-ignited his passion for DXing by building and then chasing DX with his K2. He has a number of good pointers for prospective DXers. (Bob is now up to over 300 countries worked on his K2.) The article is available on our web page at: http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/tech_notes.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++++