OVERVIEW

Performance: We've designed big rig features and performance into the K2. Eric and Wayne are experienced CW operators, so solid CW performance (in addition to SSB) is a priority with the K2. Excellent sensitivity and dynamic range, Full QSK Break-in (diode switched), adjustable RX/TX CW pitch, High Speed Memory Keyer, Selectable RX Sideband, and Sharp IF Crystal Filtering are standard. Check out our K2 Performance Number Comparisons with other radios for more details.

Low Power Consumption

The K2 is designed for use both at home and in the field. The K2’s low receive current (approx. 150 mA in battery save mode) makes portable operation possible from small gel cell batteries. The K2 even includes an option for an internal 2.9-Ah rechargeable battery.

Build the K2 for QRP or 100W Operation
The K2 offers efficient QRP CW operation with up to 15 watts output. Build it as a K2/100 by including the internal KPA100 option to get a full featured 100W radio. The KPA100 kit of internal parts, including its micro-controller and heatsink fit totally inside the K2. The KPA100 includes an internal speaker and a RS-232 Aux I/O computer control rig  interface (equivalent to the KIO2), SWR / Power metering and microprocessor controlled silent PIN diode switched T/R.

We also offer SSB, 160 M, a High Performance Noise Blanker, RS-232 computer control, Auto-Tuner (ATU), Internal Battery and Audio Filter options. 

Easy Alignment: No sophisticated test equipment beyond a digital multi-meter is required to align the K2. Our built-in microprocessor and A/D circuitry monitor all important signals and provide user feedback during calibration. They even include a built in general purpose frequency counter, volt meter and radio current drain meter. Our thousands of K2 owners will attest to their success building the K2!

Customizable: We've designed the K2 for easy user modification. All interfaces and signals are fully described in the manual.

Information on K60XV Upgrade

K2 Packages

SPECS

STANDARD FEATURES

• Rugged, attractive custom enclosure
• Small, portable size: 2.9h x 7.8w x 8.2d inches
• Weight 3.3 lbs. (excluding internal options)
• 80-10 meter ham band+ coverage; 160 m optional
• Efficient 12 Volt (10 - 15 V) operation for home or field
• Receive current as low as 150 mA (battery save mode)
• CW-only or SSB/CW + Digital Modes with SSB option
• Back-lit LCD and LED bargraph; day/night settings
• PLL synthesized--low phase noise
• Microprocessor controlled
• 3 transverter bands; programmable display, I.F., power 
• Dual VFOs with split operation
• Direct keypad entry of frequencies and memory channels
• RIT and XIT with four offset ranges 
• Built-in high-efficiency speaker 
• Memories store mode, VFO A/B, split, RX filter, etc. 
• Simple menu system for advanced settings. (Up to two menu functions can be assigned to the two programmable front panel function keys.) 
• Room for additional connectors on the rear panel 
• Smart ‘hunt and pounce’ band-scanning mode

RECEIVER

• Low-noise, single-conversion superhet receiver
• Double-balanced diode mixer for excellent dynamic range
• Receive sensitivity: 0.15 uV (pre-amp on, typical.)
• Narrow ham-band, double-tuned bandpass
• RX/TX filters, relay switched for better IMD response
• Smooth, fast attack, I.F.-derived AGC (no "popping") 
• Switchable preamp and attenuator
• Variable-bandwidth I.F. crystal filtering
• Multiple VFO tuning rate selections
• 10 Hz tuning resolution
• Bar graph S/RF OUT/ALC meter
• Adjustable squelch 

TRANSMITTER

• Adjustable 0.1-15 W (K2), 0.1 – 100W (K2/100)
• Rugged, SWR-protected, push-pull PA transistors
• Programmable current limit for battery operation
• Harmonics and spurious outputs: Better than –40 dBc 

CW FEATURES

• Full diode switched break-in with variable QSK delay (Both at QRP and 100W levels)
• 9-memory keyer; iambic A and B; adjustable weight
• 9-50 wpm (internal keyer); 70+ wpm (external keying)
• Programmable message repeat interval
• Simultaneous computer and paddle CW keying inputs
• Variable bandwidth crystal filter (approx. 200 - 2000 Hz)
• Adjustable RX CW offset with tracking TX side tone.
• Selectable opposite sideband RX for QRM reduction 

Options

• KPA100 Amplifier (Kit), ugrades K2 to K2/100
• KAT100-1
• KAF2 Audio Filter and Real-Time Clock
• KSB2 SSB Adapter
• KNB2 High Performance Noise Blanker
• K160M 160M and 2nd RX Port
• KIO2 RS-232 Interface and Aux I/0
• KAT2 Automatic Antenna Tuner
• KBT2 Battery

ACCESSORIES

• ProSet-K2, Boom Headset 
• MH4, Hand Mic
• XV Series Transverters for 6M, 2M, 220Mhz
• KRC2 Band Decoder
• KPCA-F Power Cable, assembled
• KUSB USB Serial Adapter Cable
• ETS15
• ETS2 
• SS30DV Compact Switching Power Supply

REVIEWS

• K2 Review, CQ Magazine, November 2002
• K2 and k2/100 Review from the ARRL NCJ (National Contest Journal, By Rick, N6XI (Mar/Apr. 2003, pdf 270 KB)
• K2 Review from Practical Wireless Magazine (Dec. 2002, PDF)

MANUALS

• K2 Owner's, Options and Accessories Manuals