
From March 2000 QST © ARRL
partially built K2 acts as a voltmeter,
ammeter, frequency counter and wattmeter!
Let’s Get Started
The K2 arrives neatly packed inside a
small cardboard box. Inside you will find
plastic bags labeled with the corresponding
circuit board names: “Control,” “Front
Panel,” “RF” and one bag with assorted
hardware labeled “Misc.” None of the
Table 1
Elecraft K2, serial number 00495
Manufacturer’s Claimed Specifications Measured in the ARRL Lab
Frequency coverage: Receive and transmit, 3.5-4; 7-7.3; Receive, 2.9-4.1, 6.5-7.3, 10-10.5, 13.2-14.7, 17.1-22;
10-10.2; 14-14.5; 18-18.2; 21-21.6; 24.8-25; 28-28.8 MHz.
1, 2
23.2-30.4 MHz; transmit, as specified.
Modes of operation: USB, LSB, CW. As specified.
Power requirement: 8.5-15 V dc, receive, 0.25 A Receive, 0.3 A (maximum volume, no signal);
3
(no signal); transmit, 2.0 A, at 13.8 V. transmit, 2.5 A (maximum), tested at 13.8 V.
Size (hwd): 3.4×7.9×9.9 inches; weight, 3.3 lb. With optional internal battery, 5.75 lb.
Receiver Receiver Dynamic Testing
SSB/CW sensitivity: preamp off, –130 dBm; Noise floor (MDS), 700 Hz filter:
4
preamp on, –135 dBm.
Preamp off Preamp on
3.5 MHz –133 dBm –137 dBm
14 MHz –131 dBm –138 dBm
Blocking dynamic range: preamp off, 133 dB; Blocking dynamic range (700-Hz IF filter):
preamp on, 125 dB.
Preamp off Preamp on
3.5 MHz 136 dB 127 dB
14 MHz 136 dB 128 dB
Two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic range: Two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic range (700-Hz IF filter):
preamp off, 96 dB; preamp on, 97 dB.
Preamp off Preamp on
3.5 MHz 100 dB 95 dB
14 MHz 97 dB 98 dB
Third-order input intercept point: Not specified.
Preamp off Preamp on
3.5 MHz +20.9 dBm +5.1 dBm
14 MHz +21.6 dBm +6.9 dBm
Second-order intercept point: preamp off and on, +70 dBm. 14 MHz, preamp off, +75 dBm; preamp on, +76 dBm.
S-meter sensitivity: Not specified. S9 signal at 14 MHz: preamp off, 115 µV; preamp on, 19 µV.
Receiver audio output: 2 W into 4 Ω, THD not specified. 2 W at 0.6% THD into 4 Ω.
IF/audio response: Not specified. Range at –6 dB points, (bandwidth):
5
CW-N: 625-1000 Hz (375 Hz)
CW-W: 211-1471 Hz (1260 Hz)
USB: 370-2222 Hz (1852 Hz)
LSB: 526-2000 Hz (1474 Hz)
IF rejection: Not specified. Preamp off, 89 dB.
Image rejection: Not specified. Preamp off, 74 dB.
Transmitter Transmitter Dynamic Testing
Power output: SSB, CW, 0.1-10 W. SSB, typically 1-10 W; CW, typically 0.1-12 W.
Spurious-signal and harmonic suppression: 40 dB. 44 dB. Meets FCC requirements for spectral purity.
SSB carrier suppression: 40 dB or greater. 51 dB.
Undesired sideband suppression: Not specified. >56 dB.
Third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD) products: See Figure 1.
CW keyer speed range: 9 to 50 WPM. 9 to 41 WPM.
CW keying characteristics: Not specified. See Figure 3.
Transmit-receive turnaround time (PTT release to S9 signal, 35 ms. Unit is suitable for use on AMTOR.
50% audio output): Not specified.
Receive-transmit turnaround time (“tx delay”): SSB, 23 ms.
Not specified.
Composite transmitted noise: Not specified See Figure 2.
All dynamic range measurements are taken at the ARRL Lab standard spacing of 20 kHz.
1
Plus 1.8-2 MHz with 160-meter option.
2
Receive range extends beyond the transmit range but performance there is not specified.
3
Special settings for battery-powered operation can be engaged that reduce the receive current requirement to 153 mA.
4
Refer to the IF/audio response data for the actual filter bandwidth.
5
Filter passband ranges are adjustable (see text).
components are surface-mount. The cabinet
panels, display, speaker and main tuning
knob are wrapped in kraft paper to protect
them from scratches or other damage.
The Owner’s Manual is a 162-page
spiral-bound document. The detailed
assembly and alignment instructions are
definitely reminiscent of the legendary Heath
manuals. There is currently a short list of
manual errata, with clear instructions about
the required changes in the text. A separate
sheet lists a few important precautions.
Some builders have reported completing
their basic K2s in about 35 hours—I prefer
to work at a more relaxed pace. If you
simply stuff components on the boards and
solder them in, you will learn little about
the circuit and even less about electronics.
By locating the components on the
schematic diagram and tracing the circuit
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