+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 21:15:08 -0700 From: "Douglas Westover" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] TRANSVERTERS Hi Guy, If you use the menu to set the "ATU" mode to either CALP or CALS you essentially bypass the tuner. Then just use the appropriate ANT (1 or 2) to drive the transverter. 73, Doug W6JD - -----Original Message----- From: guyg To: ELECRAFT at LISTSERVER.QTH.NET Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 4:10 PM Subject: [Elecraft] TRANSVERTERS >Hello to the Elecraft list, > I need a little friendly Elmer advice.My question is:What is the >correct way to connect a transverter to a K2 with the ATU installed.Do I >have to disconnect the ATU and connect to the "standard" output or >?.Thank you,Guy kb3ckw >Still learning the code and a lot of "other" things. > +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 22:00:12 -0500 From: "Byron Tatum" Subject: [Elecraft] VHF -UHF Kits Hello, I have built 2 of the K-2's for use with VHF-UHF transverters. If you like to build these transverters as kits here are a couple of places to check out for some VHF-UHF kits.I have been enjoying some pretty neat VHF - UHF kits from Europe and Australia. Surprisingly, it is actually more economical than you may think to buy these kits and they are of a design not common over here. Below are two sites that you may be interested in checking out the kits. They are mostly transverters, preamps, receivers, some ATV and microwave. Anyway, I hope you find this interesting. 73, Byron, WA5THJ. www.xs4all.nl/~barendh barendh at xs4all.nl http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/vk5eme/minikits/index.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 09:29:58 -0500 From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 and transverters Tim: Try using a HEXFET (probably even a 2N7000) for the switching device instead of a normal bi-polar transistor. FETs have a MUCH lower 'on' resistance to ground.. approaching 0 Ohms! Tom N0SS At 07:12 AM 9/10/01, you wrote: >Has any one used the 8R line on K2IO as T/R relay on DEM transverters? I >tried to us it for VHF contest this weekend but it woukd not switch the >xverter. Seems to only pull line to 250 mv above ground and this was eneough >to not switch over. 72 >Tim O'Rourke KG4CHX ++++++++++++++++++ ate: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 14:18:44 -0700 (MST) From: Gary Hembree Subject: [Elecraft] N7IR September VHF QSO Party Here's my report on the September contest outing. It was a relaxing contest; i.e. slow. Lots of sunshine and a moderate temperature up at 7300 feet ASL made the trip a nice break from the desert where we live. The most excitment, other than the elk bellowing all night, was a 222MHz contact with K1VOW over in DM25. Believe it or not this score is a new class record for the AZ section in this contest. Not much VHF/UHF activity here. ARRL SEPTEMBER VHF QSO PARTY -- 2001 Call: N7IR Category: Single Operator Portable Power: 10 watts PEP or less Location: Milk Ranch Point: DM44hj Section: AZ BAND QSO QSO PTS GRIDS 50 26 26 8 144 23 23 8 222 4 8 3 432 7 14 3 ----------------------------------- Totals 60 71 22 = 1,562 Equipment Description: Battery powered 2 Elecraft K2 IF transceivers 6 Meters: Ten-Tec 1208 xverter and 3el M2 Yagi. 33' 2 Meters: Ten-Tec 1210 xverter and 9el M2 Yagi. 18' 135 cm: Modified TT 1210 xverter and 10el M2 Yagi. 18' 70 cm: Microwave Modules xverter and 18el M2 Yagi. 26' 33 and 26 foot Portple(tm) masts The Microwave Modules 432MHz transverter was interfaced to its K2 IF tranceiver through a modified version of the amplifier keying circuit on the Builder's Resource page. The circuit was housed in a shielded DB9 connector and plugged into the KIO2 connector. Worked like a charm; full break-in CW on 432MHz! Other connection details are given in transverter application paper by Dave K1WHS (to appear soon on the Elecraft site). A trip to the desert in DM23 is in the planning stages for the January 2002 VHF Sweepstakes. I may add 1296MHz to the portable station by then. 73 Gary, N7IR DM43bi +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001 10:37:20 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 & Transverter? Our October featured Tech. Notes article will be an excellent one on interfacing the K2 to transverters. It will be up on www.elecraft.com within the next week and a half. I'll make sure to note it here when it appears. I use my K2 both with the Ten Tec and Down East Microwave transverters. I prefer the K2's performance with DEM transverter to that of my FT-736R's on 6M and 2M. The excellent noise blanker and dynamic range of the K2 beat out the 736R every time. Based upon the ARRL review specs of the Ten Tec 6N2 the K2/DEM combination should perform much better in the area of dynamic range (weak signal reception in the presence of strong, near by, signals). 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com ======== jcasey at notes.cc.sunysb.edu wrote: > I would like to become active on VHF, and I wonder whether anyone has used > a K2 with a 2-meter transverter? If so, what brand/model of transverter do > you use? How is the performance compared to a dedicated VHF rig, such as > the Ten Tec 6N2? > Jeff > WB5GWB at ARRL.NET ++++++++++++++++ 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: 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: 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 ++++++++++++++++++++ From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 05:59:52 EDT Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Transverter To: ham_tech at juno.com, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Daniel: For really nice VHF/UHF kits (I have the 6m model) try: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/ Interface info to the K2 is at the Elecraft website. 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 ++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Robert I. Block W2SR" To: Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 13:50:02 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Want confirmation on 8R line understanding I want to mute my K2 while using another transmitter by pulling the 8R line to ground. Before I do anything drastic, I'd appreciate any comments to ensure I understand what's going on. It appears, based on the documentation and schematic, that 8R is asserted by RX from the MCU (in accordance with the TR and 8R hold settings). While asserted, 8R provides 8v at up to 2 ma to an accessory or keying device attached through the KIO2 or Xverter interface (such as the Amp Kit). While de-asserted, 8R will sink 2ma from an external keying device. Here is the part I'd like verified: True or False? Even when RX is asserted, 8R can be pulled to ground by a low-impedence sink (such as Q23 on the RF board, which guarantees that 8R is low when 8T is active). Therefore a copy of the Q23 circuit attached through the KIO2 can be used to mute the K2 in response to an external mute signal. ++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 ++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: , "Elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: Connecting a Transverter? Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 09:01:28 -0500 Hi I have done several transverter projects with the K2. The simplest method= is to use the Aux antenna in connector on the 160 meter module for the R= x side and install an attenuator in the transverter to drop 1 or 2 watts = to the level you need to drive the transverter. I used 3 watt MOS resisto= rs to do this. I think I used 2 68 ohm and a 220 ohm in a pi network for = about 15-18 db then set up the K2 transverter menu for 2 watts out for th= e low level drive (you need ver 2.xx firmware for the transverter menu's)= . =20 I built up the Tx-Rx switch using a similar circuit to the one in the KPA= 100 with the power fet on a small perf board that plugs into the transver= ter connector on the K2 RF board. You could also use the amp keying circu= it described on the web site If you use the low level signals at the transverter connector you will st= ill need to connect a dummy load to the antenna because the K2 will still= transmit. The transverter interface board that is in the works now will = solve all of the problems and be a much cleaner solution to connecting tr= ansverters and if the FCC approves the 60 meter band the board will have = the circuitry for that also. This board will provide all of the low level= ins and outs and the new firmware will turn off the PA when a transverte= r band is selected Don Brown KD5NDB ----- Original Message ----- From: dl1iaq at t-online.de Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2002 7:11 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2: Connecting a Transverter? Hello. I plan to connect my 70cm-Transverter to the K2. I don=B4t like the idea of connecting it to the Ant1-jack and inserting a= n attenuator. Also I don=B4t like to connect the rx-path to Ant2. My Transverter wants to =B4see=B4 only a few milliwatts for full power, h= as separate jacks for if- in /out. So i think the best way to connect it are the XVTR IN/OUT-jacks. Please correct me if i=B4m wrong: The AMP-Kit ( I don=B4t have one, just guessing) has everything to switch a xvtr or amp to rx/tx. Have a look at Appendix B , RF-Board, Sheet 3 of 4 There is an Xverter Interface (a sort of AMP-Kit?), which connects to either side of W6 via Pins 5 & 3 of J13. If you open W6 and run the signal through relays on the XVTR-Interface, everything should be fine. A circuit like that should be easy to be build. Relay #1-position normal: rf runs from left side of W6 through the relay = to the right side of W6. Relay #1-position xvtr: rf runs to another relay#2 which connects to XVTR= in/out to provide rx/tx. Relay#2 switches the signal-path to xvtr-out in case of tx and to xvtr-i= n in case of rx. One could supply power from outside the K2 to those relays to switch in &= out, but i don=B4t like that idea. I think there is no XVTR-Interface available at Elecraft. I didn=B4t find a circuit in the elecfraft articles. Well, ok, the Amp-ki= t...., but.... Did someone build a circuit like that? ----And most important:---- Is the K2-software capable of switching relays in/out on the interface a= nd leave relay #1 in the correct positions, as long as TRANSVERTER ON is selected, and toggle relay #2 rx/tx? If not, please Elecraft, think of a Software Update. 73, Martin K2 #2706 +++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 10:52:01 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Glenn Maclean Cc: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PTT questions Hi Glenn, The PA KEY OUT line on the KPA100 is active all of the time, even if you are not using 100W. Use it to key control your transverter. You may also want to enable the 8R HOLD menu option and set the T-R delay appropriately if your transverter set up has T/R relays. 73, Eric WA6HHQ Glenn Maclean wrote: > I am in the process of interfacing a Down East Microwave transverter with my > K2. My K2 has the KPA100 as the top cover to the K2. I am using the KAT100-1 > as well. I am using the second antenna port from the KAT100-1 to the IF TX > port to the transverter. I am using the 160 meter second receive antenna > port on the K2 to the transverter RX IF. So here is my question. With this > configuration how do I control the PTT to the transverter from the K2? +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Glenn Maclean" To: "Elecraft List" Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 20:31:49 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Down East Microwave 144Mhz Transverter working I have recently purchased a Down East Microwave 144-28CK transverter. I finished this project today and it is working great! The K2 has the KPA100 in the top cover and the KAT100 tuner next to the K2. The transverter interfaced with this combination. There are separate receive and transmit antennas for the 2 meter side form the transverter. The #2 antenna port on the tuner goes to TX IF connection and the 160 meter separate receive antenna for the RX IF connections to the transverter. The PA Key out line from the KPA100 triggers the PTT on the transverter. The PA Key out line works regardless of power settings. The transverter menu settings in the K2 made it a dream to set the transverter up. 220 ohm resistors were used inside the transverter to make an attenuator from the K2 to the TX IF of the transverter. In trying to put the Down East Microwave Transverter using their manual leaves a lot left to the imagine unlike the Elecraft manuals. Thank you Wayne and Eric for a well thought out way to expand the K2's capabilities! Glenn Maclean WA7SPY ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2003 13:07:47 +0100 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Neill Taylor Cc: "Don Brown" , "john cooper" Subject: [Elecraft] Transverter interfacing Don Brown wrote: >There is not at this time anything to go into the transverter holes to >connect a transverter. .... [snip] >....The >DEM requires a 200 mW transmit level so you will need to build a dummy load >and attenuator. You will also need a separate receive input so the 160 meter >option is required to make the connection. You also need the Transmit keying >circuit on the Elecraft web site.... Actually DEM are now marketing a K2 version of their 2m transverter that fits inside the K2 case (provided you don't have the battery or auto ATU fitted, as it uses the same space). It includes the required interfacing, and uses one of the transverter holes in the case for RX/TX. It only gives 100mW TX power output though, and is promoted as an IF for microwave systems. See http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/PDF/144-28ECK.pdf DEM also have a transverter interface kit for the K2, see http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/PDF/pdfEKTI.PDF. However, I built my transverter long before this became available, so I use exactly the scheme described by Don, and it works very well. Neill G4HLX K2 #2425 ++++++++++++++++