+++++++++++++++++++++ Continuation of Elecraft Information Announcements +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2002 08:35:18 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: N2ZDB at aol.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Posting of KAT100 Manual? The KAT100 manual is now on our manual download page in the K2 section at: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm 73, Eric ====================== N2ZDB at aol.com wrote: > > Eric, > Any idea when the KAT100 Manual will be posted? > 73's Michael > N2ZDB ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2002 11:53:37 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] New low-profile tilt-stand, model ETS15 The ETS15 tilt stand is 1.5" tall, but is otherwise identical to the 2.5" tilt stand presently used on the K2. We're carrying this lower-profile tilt stand primarily for use with the KAT100-1 (low-profile 150-watt ATU), since it works well when the K2 is stacked on top of it. The K2 will continue to be supplied with the 2.5" stand as shipped. However, some operators may like the lower height of the ETS15 for use with the K2 (or the EC2 project enclosure). The ETS15 must be ordered separately. 73, Wayne N6KR ++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2002 09:42:36 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Builder Alert: R19 on RF board wrong value K2 BUILDER ALERT #18: R19 on RF board is the wrong value Applicability This builder alert applies to: - new K2s with serial numbers from 3000-3055 - older K2s that have been updated with the BFO/PLL mod kit, if a value of 220 ohms was used for R19 Background Resistor R19, on the RF board, was recently added to the design. It extends the tuning range of the PLL reference oscillator to make it easier to cover the required range with a single crystal. The value of R19 should have been between 1.8 and 3.3 k, but 220 ohms was supplied. This smaller value can result in VFO tuning non-linearities of as much as 70 Hz at certain points in the VFO tuning range. We strongly recommend replacing R19 with a larger value as described below. Change Required 1. Replace R19 with an ordinary carbon-composition or carbon-film resistor between 1.8 k and 3.3 k (any power rating, any tolerance). On the Revision B RF board, R19 is located on the bottom of the board near the PLL reference oscillator crystals. There is no R19 on earlier K2 RF boards. But if you removed one PLL reference oscillator crystal as part of a temperature-stability mod, you may have added R19 to the board (soldered between pins 7 and 8 of RP2). NOTE: The resistor's power rating can be anything from 1/10th watt or higher, but use a resistor that will fit on the bottom of the RF board without interfering with the bottom cover. Do not use a wire-wound resistor. If you do not have a suitable resistor, you may request one from Elecraft by sending e-mail to parts at elecraft.com. Ask for Elecraft part number E500005 (2.7 k, 1/4 watt). 2. Re-run CAL PLL. If you have revision 2.XX K2 firmware, CAL PLL is to be done only on 40 meters. If you have 1.XX firmware, CAL PLL must be run on all bands. In either case, refer to your K2 manual or the application note you used when adding R19 to the board. 3. Note this change on the K2 schematic (RF board, sheet 1). +++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 13:08:47 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: QRP-L Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft holiday gift guide for non hams updated Need something else to build and want to drop a hint for an upcoming holiday gift? We have updated our Elecraft Gift Buying Guide for Non Hams to include our latest releases, including the KAT100 external ATU and the KPA100 option for the K2. Descriptions of each product are written for non hams and it also includes a handy "I need this!" check list that you can leave laying around 'by mistake' for someone to find.... The guide is at: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_option_kits.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 16:21:19 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Builder Alert #19: current metering (C42 and C44) APPLICABILITY Revision A and XC K2s: ALL Revision B K2s: Serial Numbers 3000-3077 BACKGROUND This builder alert replaces alert #17 -- PLEASE READ. Builder alert #17 had recommended the addition of C44 (0.1 uF) to the Control board on older K2s. This capacitor is also present on the revision B K2. Based on further testing and field reports, we have determined that C44 should NOT be used. In some cases it can cause current-measurement inaccuracies of as much as 25% at transmit currents of 2 amps or higher. Alert #17 also mentioned increasing the value of C42 to 0.1 uF. This change is still required on older K2s. Revision B K2s already have the correct value of C42. MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS If your K2 is revision B (s/n 3000-3077 only): - Remove C44 on the Control board. NOTE: This is specified on the errata sheet for revision B K2s starting with serial number 3078. If your K2 is revision A or XC: - If you added C44 previously (alert #17), REMOVE IT. - If you did not increase C42 (alert #17), do so now. Use an 0.1 uF or larger ceramic or monolithic capacitor (not electrolytic). If you don't have any suitable capacitors, send a request to parts at elecraft.com and we'll send you an 0.1-uF cap at no charge. NOTE: If you built a KPA100, you have already made the change to C42. ++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 08:53:07 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: ballintubberns.ias at eircom.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 A to B Upgrade available Monday P.M. We will be posting the K2 Rev. A to B upgrade kit description and ordering information on the Elecraft Web page Monday afternoon. (We are changing the web page order form right now.) Please hold you calls and emails until after we post it. (We are already buried under the Holiday rush :^) 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 16:16:43 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Rev B Component kit for unbuilt Rev A K2s For those of you who have unbuilt revision A PCB K2s hidden away and would like to build them as current revision B K2s, we have placed the K2BCOMPKT on our Parts and Mod Kits order form at: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K2BCOMPKT The kit consists of three components: K2BCOMPKT New Parts and PC boards to build it as a Rev B FWK2MCIO Latest K2 and IOC firmware, if you don't already have it. K2 Manual Rev D K2 manual (Also avail as a free download). We are taking orders now and will be shipping them beginning next week. 73, Eric WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2003 19:07:52 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] new page on our web site: "About Elecraft" OK, so it took us over four years, but we finally have a statement of purpose on our web site. Look for the link called "About Elecraft" on our home page (scroll down from the K1/K2 photo). This page provides a quick history of how the company started, not to mention *why* the company was started, and is a good place to aim anyone who says "Ele-what?" 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ ------ http://www.elecraft.com ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 16:00:36 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L , GQRP Cc: dave at astromag.co.uk Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft Tech Notes Article We have just added a new article, 'Using the Elecraft K2 with a Microwave modules MMT144/28 Transverter' by Dave Johnson, G4AON, to the Tech Notes section on http://www.elecraft.com Thank you Dave for the great article! 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 20:49:19 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Eric Manning Cc: "Elecraft (E-mail)" Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ACCESSORY BOX Hi, Eric. An "accessory box" *is* presently in the works. It will be small, easy to use, and very flexible, allowing you to switch antennas, transverters, etc. under K2 control. Sorry I can't give you any more details at present. 73, Wayne Eric Manning wrote: > > Wayne > I want the Accessory Box! Just the thing to switch bands > automatically on my Sigma 5 vertical, switch antennas, etc etc. > > 73 > > eric > -- > Eric Manning VA7DZ VE3DPV +++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 11:56:26 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Kevin Cozens Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft QSO party. 8 /9 March 2003 As noted by Pat earlier, the EQP rules are now in regular HTML format at: http://www.linuxcolumbus.com/eqp.html There is also a link to this page from the main Elecraft page, several lines under the K2/100 picture. 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com --------------------- ++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 18:48:10 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Cc: DK7zh at aol.com, Gary Surrency Subject: [Elecraft] KAT100 ATU Builder Alert: Anti-Slide Bracket installation Duane, K7ZH, brought this to our attention: Figure 20b in the KAT100 manual, which shows Anti-Slide bracket installation, is incorrect. (See page 29 or 30 depending on your manual revision.) The center hole (of 3) on the bracket should be positioned over the rear-most hole in the 2-D fastener. This will align the standoffs on the bracket with the feet on the K2. If the brackets are installed as shown in the Figure, the K2 will sit too far forward when stacked on top of the KAT100. 73, Wayne N6KR +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 04 Feb 2003 14:05:34 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: "Wallace, Andy" Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: K2 (rev B) appendix F (Parts Placement diagram) PDF? Done. Its on the manual download page at http://www.elecraft.com 73, Eric WA6HHQ ------------- Wallace, Andy wrote: > Hi, Eric...mind putting the rev B appendix F online? > > I may be doing some parts checking and it would be handy to > have a copy of the placement diagram that I can mark up.... > Andy > > ++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2003 14:35:32 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L , GQRP , hfpack at yahoogroups.com Subject: [Elecraft] Argo V Numbers added to RX Comparison Tables I've just added the ARRL lab test Rx and current drain numbers for the Ten Tec Argo V to our rig comparison table at: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_perf.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com ++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 11:26:25 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K1 *and* K2 Builder Alert: Front Panel Right-Angle Connector If you purchased a K1 kit that was shipped between about 12/20/02 and 3/21/03, or a K2 kit that was shipped between about 1/14/03 and 3/21/03, you may have received a 20-pin, right-angle connector whose pins are slightly too long. All later K1s (S/N 1553+) and later K2s (S/N 3385+) have the correct connector pin length. If the connector does have pins which are too long, you'll need to shorten the pins slightly as described below. This can be done either before or after the transceiver is assembled. You DO NOT need a new connector. Trimming the pins is entirely satisfactory and will take only a few minutes. The connector is designated P1 on both the K1 and K2 RF boards. To determine if your P1 has pins which are too long and take corrective action, follow the steps below. 1. If your kit is unbuilt, locate P1, which can be found in one of the RF board component bags. Use the photo of P1 in the RF Board parts list in Appendix A to identify the P1. Then skip to step 5. 2. If your kit has already been assembled, remove the bottom cover (six screws). Look closely at the point where P1 on the bottom of the RF board mates with J1 on the Front Panel board. If there appears to be a large gap between the two connectors (about 1/16" or 1.5 mm), proceed with step 3. If there's only a small gap--about 1/32" or less (0.8 mm or less)--then no action is required, because the pins must be of the correct length. 3. K2 only: Remove the top cover (six screws), then remove the two screws holding the Control board to the Front Panel board. Also remove the KAF2 module if installed. 4. K1 or K2: Remove the four screws holding the Front Panel assembly to the chassis. Unplug the module. (There's no need to remove the knobs or other front panel hardware.) You should now be able to see the pins of connector P1, near the front-center of the RF board. 5. The normal length of the straight part of the pins of P1 is 2/10", measured from the ends of the pins to where the black plastic body begins. (2/10" is about 13/64" or 5 mm.) The incorrect-length connectors have a straight portion which is 3/10" (about 19/64", or 7.5 mm). If your connector has the wrong pin length, continue with step 6. Otherwise no action is required. 6. If you're certain that you have a connector with the wrong pin length, you'll need to trim the pins as follows. This can be done with the connector either loose or installed. A. Using a fine-tip marker, make a mark about 1/16" (1.5 mm) back from the tip of one of P1's outermost pins. (It is not necessary to trim off the entire 1/10" (2.5 mm) excess length because the female connector on the Front Panel board can accommodate some of the excess.) B. Make a similar mark on the tip of a pin at the other end of P1. C. Using a straight-edge aligned with both marks, draw a thin line across all 20 pins. D. Clip off the indicated amount of each of the 20 pins. Use diagonal or flush-cutters. NOTE: Small variations in clipped length are OK; this will have NO effect on performance or physical stability of the mated connection. 7. Assembled transceiver only: Reinstall the Front Panel module. Be sure to press the Front Panel board firmly against the RF board along the bottom edge so that the connectors become fully mated. This builder alert will be posted on our K1 and K2 pages shortly. Wayne, N6KR ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 12:00:19 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] IMPORTANT: recent Builder Alert requires eye and hand protection! We recently posted a builder alert regarding the possible shortening of pins on a Front Panel connector (K2 alert #20, K1 alert #5). The ends of these pins will fly off at very high speed when clipped. EYE PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL and hand protection might not be a bad thing, particularly if the P1 pins are already installed, making handling a bit more awkward. Our thanks to Rob, M0RAC, for pointing this out. 73, Wayne N6KR ++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: frstephenk at stfrancishigh.org Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 16:21:25 +0000 From: k6iii at juno.com Subject: [Elecraft] k1/k2 net to be set up - W3SMK Manager Elecraft Readers, I am pleased to announce that Stephen King, W3SMK, has agreed to organize a K1/K2 net. Watch for his announcments and plans here on the Reflector. This net is something that many of you have been asking for. Please give Stephen your encouragement and cooperation as he gets the ball rolling. Over to you, Stephen! (frstephenk at stfrancishigh.org). 73 de Jerry/k6iii San Jose, CA ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2003 15:30:56 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: "Gregg R. Lengling" Cc: tlogan7 at cox.net, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What's New at Dayton? We will make sure to announce our new products for Dayton well before the show (which is May 15-18th). We should have something to say next week or two. (We are just getting our ducks in order - making sure we have our cost & pricing correct and can deliver ;^) It will not be a new radio, but several other neat goodies are on the way. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 13:48:14 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dayton: Where will Elecraft be? Elecraft will be at Dayton Booths 196-197. (Twice the space as last year!) 73, Eric Martin wrote: > Hello elecrafters, > Anybody can tell me where in Dayton Elecraft will have their booth? > Is there a Hall-number , booth-number or what ever? > > The reason why i query this is i asked a friend ( DL7GBI; he is going to > Dayton ) to pick up some items from elecraft and bring them to DL. > To make it easy for him, i want to give him all the info i can get. > -- > Best regards, > Martin > K2 #2706 +++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:51:27 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft List , K6BJ list Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2 Temperature-Compensated PLL Reference Upgrade We've just completed field testing of an easy-to-install upgrade to the K2's PLL synthesizer stage. The upgrade uses a thermistor and a few other components to temperature-compensate the varactor-tuned crystal reference oscillator. The compensation circuit reduces the reference oscillator's temperature coefficient by as much as a factor of 10. This will be of particular interest to those who use the K2 with the KPA100 option, or who frequently operate outdoors or mobile. All of the components are mounted on a small circuit board which replaces one of the existing resistor networks. This results in a clean, no-wires installation. The changes do not increase current drain. The PLL upgrade will be included free of charge with all new K2 kits starting today (s/n 3446 and up). Existing K2 owners can purchase the upgrade kit for only $19 (order number E850138). The upgrade kits are now in stock. You can get more information at: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K2%20Parts We'd like to thank John Grebenkemper, KI6WX, who designed the temperature-compensation circuit, as well as all of those who field-tested the upgrade kit. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 05 May 2003 11:19:46 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Eddy Avila Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K2 Options - 6M YES! We are releasing transverters for: 6 Meters (XV50) 2 Meters (XV144) 222 MHz (XV222) These three use the same PCB. We have possible future plans for one for 432 MHz. <= 1 dB NF typical. (PHEMT front end transistor.) Level 17 dBM mixer in the front end for excellent dynamic range. Integrates with the K2 -AND- works with ANY other HF rig that has 28 MHz and provides TX key out. More data later today or early tomorrow. We are writing it up right now. :^) 73, Eric WA6HHQ ======= ++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 07 May 2003 11:50:32 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Eddy Avila Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Options almost on the website Info there now on the KDSP2, KRC2 and XV transverters. See: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_new_products.htm I'm uploading more information and pictures as fast as I can ;^) I'll be posting official product release info here in a little bit. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ----- ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 13:38:12 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft's contributing engineers We'd like to acknowledge the talented engineers who have helped us bring our latest products to market: Lyle Johnson, KK7P (KDSP2 DSP unit for the K2) Jack Brindle, WA4FIB (KRC2 universal band decoder) Bob Friess, N6CM (XV Series transverters) Here's a bit more about them. * * * Lyle has been in the electronics industry for 35 years, designing equipment for harsh environments including mining and space. Co-founder of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio, he led in the development of packet radio TNCs. Since 1983, he has designed numerous flight computers for AMSAT and commercial satellites. His DSP designs have flown in space, and he designed commercial DSP hardware and software that has been in production since 1995. * * * Jack has spent his entire career in the wireless field. He spent a year as an engineering tech at ARRL headquarters, authoring several QST articles along the way. After receiving his degrees, Jack worked as a design engineer and system architect, including stints at Motorola, Apple Computer and Sun Microsystems. He helped pioneer early packet radio, participating in the development of the low speed packet system as well as the Grapes 56K Modem system, and developed the MacPacket series of packet radio terminal programs. * * * Bob was first licensed as KN6HMO in 1954, at the age of 11. After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he worked for Farinon Electric, a manufacturer of microwave communications equipment in various positions from Development Engineer to Vice President of Engineering. In 1984 Bob co-founded Digital Microwave Corporation in San Jose where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer until he retired in 1992. His present interests include ham radio, astronomy, golf, RC airplanes and entertaining his nine grandchildren. * * * In addition, Ron D'Eau Claire, AC7AC has been doing a stellar job on technical documentation. Ron's a professional technical writer whom many of you already know from his many helpful reflector postings. Eric, Gary, and I are still the ones officially sticking our necks out, but we're pleased to have these new associates to share the load (er, fun, I mean). No doubt you'll find all of them hanging out on our reflector, offering insight on their respective designs. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 16:30:25 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Correction on Lyle Johnson's call: it's KK7P In my posting "Elecraft's Contributing Engineers" I accidentally used Lyle's e-mail prefix (his old call, WA7GXD) rather his *real* callsign, which is KK7P. And to his credit he was nice to me when he found out ;) 73, Wayne N6KR P.S. *My* old call is WA6HQH. That's not a typo--it's Eric's call with two letters transposed. The mind boggles.... +++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Elecraft" Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2003 20:34:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K7NUU Covers New on the Elecraft site is a link to K7NUU covers. These seem to fit quite nicely. I am very pleased with mine. Need to disconnect the mic and 'phones for it to hang nicely in the front. The rear is a flap so the connectors can remain in place while the dust is being kept off your radio. 73, Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2003 21:37:04 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Organization: Elecraft To: Lyle Johnson Cc: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Re: K7NUU Covers Lyle Johnson wrote: > New on the Elecraft site is a link to K7NUU covers. > > These seem to fit quite nicely. I am very pleased with mine. Need to > disconnect the mic and 'phones for it to hang nicely in the front. Stan (K7NUU) told me today that dust cover buyers can request that a slit be included on the left side to accomodate the cables. I don't know if this is clear on his site. 73, Wayne N6KR ++++++++++++++++