+++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Elecraft" Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 13:48:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 in ECS2 Enclosure Hi! I get lots of requests for how I did this, so I created a website today (first time, so be gentle!). On it you will find complete directions for doing this. http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd Enjoy! 72/73 Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 30 May 2002 23:56:09 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" To: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: [Elecraft] Splitting a K2/100 Using an EC2 Enclosure There is now a description on my web site that describes the detailed modifications to move the KPA100 module from the K2 to a separate EC2 enclosure. This allows you to run the KPA100 module remotely such as installing it in the trunk of a car for mobile operation. This type of installation will even be more useful when the high power antenna tuner becomes available later this year. I do have one warning for anyone performing this type of modification to the KPA100. During testing of the KPA100 module, I found that extremely strong spurious signals can be generated on 40 meters when several feet or more of coaxial cable is connected to the KPA100 module RF input. These spurious outputs are not a problem when the KPA100 module is mounted inside the K2 enclosure as designed by Elecraft. These spurious outputs may have intensity of up to 1 watt of power and are not inside any amateur band. The instructions include a modification to the KPA100 circuit board to eliminate this problem. My web site may be accessed at http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/KI6WX.html -John KI6WX +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Elecraft" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 in ECS2 Enclosure Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 18:11:54 -0700 Hello! After several comments, I have substantially revised the webpage regarding the K-Twins. There is important new information that you should carefully heed if you want to do this to your Elecraft station. Enjoy! 72/73, Lyle, KK7P > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 in ECS2 Enclosure > > http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 18:54:29 -0700 From: Vic Rosenthal Organization: Transparent Software To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Specs or Information Bill Coleman wrote: > How do you get the AuxBus to the KPA100 if it is in a separate case? The RS232 connector is slightly nonstandard -- in addition to RS232 xmit, rcv, and gnd, it includes an auxbus line and some other stuff. 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Some KPA100 ?s... Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 23:26:10 -0700 Hello John! > The blurb on the Elecraft website sez that the K2/KPA100 is limited to 10w > between 25 MHz and 29 MHz... will us licensed amateurs be able to > modify our KPA100s so this is not a limitation? I think it is 28 MHz,not 29 MHz, so you get all of 10 meters, but nothing between 12 meters and 10 meters. > Another question... say one has the KPA100 built in an EC2. There are two > RS-232 interfaces... can these be hooked up to two separate computers and > can commands be sent by either computer with output strings being sent on > both interfaces? No, there is one serial port on the K2 Controller Board CPU, and it is buffered by EITHER the KIO2 or the KPA100, but not both. If the units are separated, it is the KIO2 that provides the serial port. 73, Lyle, KK7P ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 23:37:08 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some KPA100 ?s... To: Elecraft Mailing List John; -- snip -- When the KPA100 is built in the EC2 enclosure, you have to use the KIO2 to send data to the KPA100 to control it. This means that you need a KIO2 option in your K2 to communicate with the KIO2 that is contained in the KPA100. There is already one discussion of how to do this at http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd/k2kpa100.html -- snip -- -John KI6WX > Greetings fellow Elecrafters, > -- snip -- > > Another question... say one has the KPA100 built in an EC2. There are two > RS-232 interfaces... can these be hooked up to two separate computers and > can commands be sent by either computer with output strings being sent on > both interfaces? Hmmm... I can see a remote LCD display being built.... > -- snip -- > > John Clifford KD7KGX > ++++++++++++++++ To: Elecraft Reflector , Elecraft Reflector Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 16:56:28 -0700 (MST) From: cyr999 at extremezone.com Subject: [Elecraft] K2/100 ATU: works for QRP and QRO???? Hi folks - I think there is more to this idea than I realized and I could use some explanations if you have them. Originally, I thought I would put the new ATU and the 100w amp in a separate EC2 enclosure. However, I just discovered by talking to Elecraft that the K2/100 can have the 100w amp switched out and operate at QRP levels. They also said that you could then plug in the standard 2.9amp battery to the power jack. This is actually much neater than I realized. It would be perfect if the new ATU that will come in its own enclosure would function for both the QRP mode and the 100 w mode. If so, than I will abandon the second box concept. Anybody know the answer on this one. 73/Tim Logan NZ7C ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 20:52:37 -0500 From: Lee Buller To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Changed my mind too Tim Logan NZ7C came to the conclusion of putting the KPA100 in the K2 box and not use the EC2 for the amp. At first, this is the way I was going to configure my system, but the more I thought about it and the more I read the KPA100 manual, the more I realized how well thought out the integration of the K2 and the KPA100. Now for you back packers this might be an issue, but for me it makes sense to put the KPA100 in the K2 as a totally integrated radio. Now, the 100 ATU sounds very interesting, but I do like to tune knobs. I would like to see not only an auto tuner...but a manual tuner as well. I used an old MFJ-941D and it works quite well. I was thinking about mounting the thing in the EC2 just for fun. Then, along comes W8ZR's article in QST with the great little computer to help you tune the T-Match perfectly. This would be a great addition to a manual tuner to allow us old guys to at least tune some knobs. Well, anyway...I have gone far afield here. I am going to mount the amp in the rig. I think that the way they have to configured, I can run QRP or QRO with a twist of the wrist. 73 and see ya'l in Dayton Lee - K0WA ++++++++++++++++ From: "Joe Randle" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 19:27:25 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 & KPA100 Well guys. I'm finally going to put my two cents worth in: 1. When I do purchase the KPA 100 for my K2, I am going to get an EC-2 = to put it in. I know the K2 with KPA 100 installed will still work QRP = as well as QRO, but I want to be able to take the K2 along whereever I = go. I also want the advantage of having the internal tuner and internal = battery. I don't mind having a separate cabinet at the home station, but = the fun of owning a K2 is being able to take it out in the back yard, = put it on the picnic table, plug in an antenna and start operating! No = external power supply and no external tuner! Just a mike or a key/paddle = and a portable antenna! That's part of the K2 Mojo! ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 31 May 2002 09:36:25 -0500 To: cyr999 at extremezone.com From: Dave Gingrich K9DC Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Frustration: The demise of the KAT2 Cc: Elecraft At 01:04 5/31/2002 -0700, Tim and Nancy Logan wrote: >I'm generally very, very positive about Elecraft and the K2, but the >more I ponder the new amp (which I ordered happily today!), the more I >feel abit frustrated. I've all along had the impression that part of the >concept was for existing K2 owners to be able to build the amp and >install it in an EC2 enclosure along with a higher power ATU. This >separate amp and ATU could be turned off or on from the K2 control >panel. I was expecting a high power ATU to follow the amp and, with >luck, at some point a face plate for the EC2. Jumping to conclusions maybe? Elecraft has said from the very beginning the only supported configuration is an internally mounted KPA. That can easily be swapped with the non-KPA top including the battery and KAT2. The external antenna tuner is a future product that will be out this fall sometime. >If I undestand things correctly now, there will not be a separate >hi-power ATU that is designed to fit in the EC2 case. Elecraft never said this was even a gleam in their eye. They did say it might work, but it was definitely in the "you're on your own" category. >I also understand >that the K2/100 can operate as a QRP or QRO rig. Rather there will be a >separate ATU that runs both QRP and QRO. I still have not heard from >Elecraft what the full range of this ATU will be. Many ATU's will not >activate unless they have a certain minimum wattage. I do not know yet >if the new ATU will include the capabilities of the KAT2 as well as the >higher power ATU. I certainly hope it does. Elecraft has said it will have the same capabilities as the KAT2, except be able to handle higher power. This includes tuning at 3 watts or less. Even the high power SGC tuner will tune at 3 watts. >So as I see it, the final result will be two highly compact boxes that >can operate QRP or QRO. I like that idea (wish I knew that was the idea >in the beginning), but I have to admit that this sort of renders the >alternate lid with battery power and KAT2 useless unless you like to >hike with a QRP rig or have a once a year need for a self contained QRP >field rig. No... It means you will have to take 5 minutes to swap the tops. Personally, I am considering a second K2, one for QRP with portable capability and one permanently QRO... But I'll get there...ahh....Later HI. Still waiting for my KPA... ordered on 9-May OTOH, I won't have to pay for it now until July! -Dave ================================================ Dave Gingrich, K9DC - Indianapolis, Indiana USA K2 #2211, K1 #931, QRP-L #2376, ARS #1109, FPQRP #389, IRLP #473, k9dc.ampr.org, CCIE #6748 ================================================ +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 01 Jun 2002 13:21:30 -0700 From: "John Grebenkemper, KI6WX" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Splitting a K2/100 Using an EC2 Enclosure To: Guenter Timmermann Cc: Elecraft Mailing List Gunter; The 270 ohm resistor may be left permanently in place, and you can move the KPA100 module between the K2 and the EC2 as you wish. -John KI6WX > John, > > Thanks for your description of how to move the KPA100 to a separate EC2 > enclosure. I have one question about the modification you describe: If I > have added the 270 Ohm resistor and then want to put the KPA100 cover back > on the K2 (to get the Elecraft specified K2/100), does this still work with > the resistor added, or do I have to remove the resistor each time I want to > go back to the original K2/100 configuration? > > 73, > Gunter PA3HGC > K2 # 703 ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: , "Elecraft" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA-100 with K2 ATU Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 08:52:46 -0700 Hello Tim! > Now I'm getting confused again :-) With the KPA100 INSTALLED in the K2 > and the KAT2 removed, my understanding is that it will tune and transmit > at QRP levels (under 5 watts) as well as the 100 watt level... With the KPA100 installed, the K2/100 has a TUNE power level of 20 watts. It has an OPERATING power range from 1 to 100 watts. Of course, once you have activated TUNE, you can turn the power control up or down to change it, but the next time you activate TUINE it will again be at 20 watts. If you remove power from the KPA100 power connector (the Anderson power pole connector) and instead apply power to the ORIGINAL K2 power connector, then the KPA100 RF amplifer section is not powered and the K2/100 will operate at the K2's original, QRP TUNE and OPERATING power settings. In this mode, the K2/100 still uses the SO-239 RF connector. 73, Lyle KK7P ++++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: giantbug at earthlink.net From: "Mychael Morohovich / AA3WF" To: "Elecraft" , "Bob Hightower" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 6:31:45 -0400 "Anyone remember... ... a URL on how to build it into the Elecraft enclosure?" GM, Bob- Here is the link I had book marked for future reference: http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd/k2kpa100.html 73, Mychael AA3WF K2# 1025 ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 01:04:02 -0400 From: "Mark J. Dulcey" To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Tom Hammond N=D8SS wrote: > For what little it may be worth, I have PICS of this mod as I performed= =20 > it (at least I _think_ I still do). And I believe that KI6WX is=20 > preparing a document to detail it. >=20 >> >> Moving the amplifier into an EC2 is simple enough to do. You have to=20 >> make one small modification to the KPA100 (adding a 200-300 ohm=20 >> resistor), but it doesn't preclude putting the amp back in the K2 if=20 >> you want to. The KI6WX instructions for putting the KPA100 in an EC2 have been online = for a while now (http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/k2_100_in_ec2.pdf),=20 and include the info on adding the resistor, including a picture. The=20 WA7GXD instructions (http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd/k2kpa100.html) have=20 been modified to add that info as well, including another picture. I used a 220 ohm resistor in mine, because I couldn't find the 270 ohm=20 value locally. I still have no trouble reaching full power output from=20 my KPA100. I don't have a spectrum analyzer, so I can't tell whether I=20 actually needed the resistor, but I figure it can't hurt. Mine isn't=20 exactly like either article, though it's closer to the KI6WX approach. I = also installed a coaxial power connector on my EC2, and put the other=20 two-pin connector on that; the cable intended to plug into the external=20 DC jack on the K2 plugs into that instead. I can then run a short=20 coaxial-to-coaxial power cable from the EC2 to the K2 to power the=20 radio. I haven't bothered to make any provision to use the speaker in=20 the KPA100. ++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] External KPA100 Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 08:57:04 -0700 Hello Leo! > The 270R 2W metalfilm resistor must be pure resistance ie: 0j ? It shouldn't be a wirewound "lossy inductor" style. Metal film is best, carbon composition is probably OK. It gets hot... > What happens to the KAT1 in the K2 ? Is it automatically set to > "carry-through" mode ie; 0 cap. and 0 ind. at "Pa Ps ON" or > should I do this > by hand when I want to use the external KPA100 ? When the K2/100 powers up, if it detects the KAT2 it puts it in the correct mode automatically. See the notes on my web page about this. 72/73, Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++++ From: "Leo Starrenburg PA5LS" To: "Elecraft Reflector" , "Lyle Johnson" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External KPA100 Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 18:12:43 +0200 Hello Lyle, thanks for the answers and your patience, this is clearly a case of reading the manual first. I found John's website before yours, apart from the audio- and supply lines, he uses another wiring diagram for the KPA~EC2 IO link than you do, but it works ok. Thanks again, 73' Leo. ++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 17:21:34 -0700 From: "John, KI6WX" To: Elecraft Mailing List Subject: [Elecraft] KAT100 Antenna Tuner In EC2 Enclosure I plan on updating the KI6WX web site to reflect the changes necessary to install a KAT100 tuner inside an EC2 enclosure. This material will be posted shortly after the KAT100 becomes available from Elecraft. I will probably add this material to the existing article on installing the KPA100 in an EC2 enclosure. I am certain that I will be able to find a way to retain full functionality of the K2/100 when the KPA100 and KAT100 are installed in the EC2 enclosure. My web site may be accessed at: http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/KI6WX.html -John KI6WX ++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 13:19:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Updated K-Twins Info Hello! I have integrated the KPA100 and KAT100 into an EC2 case. Actually, this is so easy that I can't really claim to have done it, even if I did! The details are on my website if you are curious... http://www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd/k2kpa100.html Enjoy! Lyle KK7P +++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 09:46:40 -0800 From: Phil Wheeler Organization: Outstanding To: DL1EKC at VFDB.net Cc: Elecraft Mailinglist , "Carsten Willich [DL1CWI]" , "Harald Tillmann [DL2EHT]" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 with external KPA-100/KAT-100 box possible ? It's been done. Look at the KAT100-2 photos, etc. here: http://www.elecraft.com/kat100/kat100_page.htm 73, Phil Marcus Busch [DL1EKC] wrote: >Dear Elecrafters, >Dear Readers, > >I'm currently running my K2 #2206 with the options > > - KBT2 - KAT2 - KSB2 - KIO2 - K160RX - KAF2 - KNB2 > >(the version with least air inside, I think :-) > >What I would like to do now (and some OMs in our local ham club, too) is >to build the KPA-100 and KAT-100 and combine these into the EC2 enclosure. >The idea is to keep the K2 in the above configuration for easy field use >and simply connect the "power/tuner box" to the unit at home with a piece >of coax and the control cable (to KIO2 Aux I/O). I plan to use (one of) >the normal BNC-output(s) of my K2 to feed the KPA-100 via an additional >RF-IN at the rear of the EC2 enclosure. > >Would this configuration be possible? I'm not sure, if the firmware is >able to handle this setup. Critical points may be: > ++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: "Elecraft" Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 08:34:49 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Re: KIO2 Required if you Remote the KPA100? Hi Sorry I would have responded sooner but I was in Crawford Texas all day yesterday upgrading one of the controllers and the firmware for a rather famous person's waste water treatment plant. The simplest way to do the remote mount is with a KIO2 in the K2. You only need to build a 9 pin to 9 pin cable, buy or build a BNC cable for the RF and the usual power cable. It is possible to make a cable that plugs into the control board directly to a 9 pin connector on the back of the K2 but you will need to duplicate the filtering in the KIO2 on the pins of the 9 pin D connector to keep RF off of the AUX BUSS and other control lines. You will need to come up with your own source of parts and connectors to make this cable and of course this will not supply any RS232 signals. The best method is the KIO2 in the K2. The RS232 part of the IO in the KPA100 is not used in this setup. The RS232 cable is a "Y" cable that plugs into the KIO2 with one connector for the computer and the other for the remote KPA100/KAT100 You will need to order the KPA100, KAT100-2, an EC2 and the tilt stand if you want one and a KIO2 to make this all work. You will also need a ~2 ft BNC to BNC 50 ohm cable to connect the remote unit to the K2, a short pl239 to pl239 50 ohm cable to connect the KPA100 to the KAT100 and the power supply cables for the KPA100 and the K2 Don Brown KD5NDB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Hammond NØSS" To: "Don Brown" ; "Lyle Johnson" Cc: "Martin" Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 9:10 AM Subject: KIO2 Required if you Remote the KPA100? > Lyle/Don: > > Just received this note from Martin (DL1IAQ) and figgered you could respond > much more appropriately to his query than I. > > Please respond to him directly and via the reflector, for the benefit of us > all. > > Thanks, appreciated! > > Tom > ________________ > > Hello Tom. > I sent an email to the reflector yesterday, but today it is not on the > reflector. > > Now i ask you directly, coz i believe that there would have been > a reply from you anyway ;-) > > Planning to order a KPA100 & KAT100 to install them in EC2, > i wonder wether i need an extra KIO or will i be fine with the one > supplied with the KPA100. > ............................................................... > Hope not to bother you. > > 73 > Martin +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 13:15:17 -1000 From: John Buck To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100,KAT100,EC2 Happy Camper I finished the KAT100, installed it in the EC2 with the KPA100. Now I can run the 100 watt K2 with autotuner in the shack, or I can pick up the original K2 with internal KAT2 and battery and go portable. The only external connections needed between the K2 and the EC2-100 are the bnc antenna connection and the RS232 cable. The K2 does have the serial interface module. I did disconnect the internal cable for connecting the Kpa100 speaker to the K2. I jumpered the connection on the edge of the KPA 100 card so that I can plug an external audio source into the external speaker connector on the KPA100 in the EC2. Before the mod, this connector disconnected the speaker. It all plays together nicely. Aloha, John KH7T ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "Steve & Anne Ray" From: "Steve & Anne Ray" To: "Elecraft" , , "Steve Ray" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT100 Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 11:33:37 -0500 You pull out the KI02 when you put the KPA100 in the K2, however if you put the KPA100 in a EC2 case you need to put the KI02 back in the K2, so the K2 and KPA100 can talk. I bought a EC2 case and put the KPA100 into it. I obliviously have to use the KI02 with it, but I built that when it first came out. The only mod to the KI02 was to change the choke to a toroid, see the article on putting the KPA100 in a separate case. I also put the 270 ohm resistor in the KPA100 again see the article. I first built the KPA100 and installed it in the K2 and used it for a month or so before putting it in the EC2 case. Worked great both ways. I now have the KPA100 and KAT100 in the EC2 case. I am not into camping or portable operation, but liked the idea of separating the components. As a side note I power the KPA100 from a separate Astron 20A power supply and the K2 and KAT100 by a Astron 10A. If I want to go high power I just switch on the 20A power supply. This way I keep the tuner on all the time when the K2 is on. Makes it handy to go QRP to QRO. Realize I just finished up the KAT100 last night so it has not had a long term workout, but I have been using the KPA100 in a separate case for approx. 4 months and really like the setup, so I am sure I will like having the KAT100 with the KPA100. Steve Ray K4JPN ex K1VKW EM82ep Warner Robins GA Elecraft K2 1422 & KPA-100 Heath Fan HW-101, HW-8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin Crundall" To: Cc: Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2003 12:37 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT100 > Steve and the list; > > I'm looking for the pros and cons of setting up a KPA100 and KAT100 > into the EC2. I have a KPA still to assemble and I will be getting a > KAT. Should I spring for the EC2 and mount the KPA I have into the EC2 > instead of the top of the rig? The only clear advantage that I see to > doing it this way is if I want computer control and definitely no amp > (for a particular outing--apartment dwellers thrive on "outings.") If > I install a computer interface in to the basic K2, do I have to pull > out that computer interface when I connect the amp if it's in the EC2? > What else am I missing? > > Thanks and 73, > > Martin AC6RM K2#3021 > > > Just finished up the KAT100 and installed it in my EC2 case with the > > KPA100. Took 17 1/2 hours of fun over the past month. Makes a really > > nice setup. Even had a QSO on 10 Mtrs and got a report of excellent > > audio. > > +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA100??? Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 11:47:06 -0500 Hi The recommended way to do this is with the KIO2 in the K2 with a jumper cable from the K2 9 pin to the KPA100 or KAT100 9 pin connectors. You also need a short BNC to BNC cable if you are using the KAT100 or an adapter cable from the KPA100 input to a BNC connector on the EC2. If you don't want to use the KIO2 then you will need to duplicate the filtering on the control lines like the KIO2 and mount a 9 pin connector on the K2 with a cable to the control board. You will need to make all this yourself. I have a K2 with a remote mounted KPA100 and KAT100 in an EC2 box and everything just plugs in. Elecraft provides everything you need to do this but if you want to roll your own then the info on Lyle's web site will show you how. www.fidalgo.net/~wa7gxd Don Brown KD5NDB +++++++++++++++++++