Introduction

The K2 is a full-featured HF transceiver with the options you have come to expect from radios costing over twice as much. Two VFOs with multiple memories, split TX/RX operation, RIT/XIT, full break-in CW, memory keyer, narrow IF crystal filtering, excellent RX dynamic range and IF derived AGC are standard on the K2.

Overview

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

K2 Packages

K2/100 Package 1	K2/100 Package 2
K2 HF Transceiver	K2 HF Transceiver
KPA100 Amplifier (Kit)	KPA100 Amplifier (Kit)
KNB2 Noise Blanker	KSB2 SSB Option
Elecraft Logo Hat	KNB2 Noise Blanker
$75 Savings!	MH4 Hand Microphone
	Elecraft Logo Hat
	$100 Savings!

K2 PAK 1	K2 PAK 2	K2 PAK 3
K2 HF Transceiver	K2 HF Transceiver	K2 HF Transceiver
KNB2 Noise Blanker	KSB2 SSB Option	KSB2 SSB Option
Elecraft Logo Hat	KNB2 Noise Blanker	KNB2 Noise Blanker
$35 Savings!	MH4 Hand Microphone	KAT2 20W Internal ATU
	Elecraft Logo Hat	MH4 Hand Microphone
	$50 Savings!	Elecraft Logo Hat
		$75 Savings!

Specs

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/Accessories

Options

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

REVIEWS

QST Magazine: "The K2’s receiver performance compares very favorably to that of the samples of the high-end radios we’ve recently examined... The fact that a radio in this price class—and a home-built one at that—can stand proudly in such company is a remarkable accomplishment." March 2002 QST

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

MANUALS

K2 Owner's, Options and Accessories Manuals