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K2 and K2/100 All HF Band CW/SSB Transceiver Kits

Now with DSP!

Info on Schurr Key
K2 | K2/100 (K2 + KPA100)

Click pictures to enlarge

QST K2/100, KPA100 Review (pdf) ARRL Members Web Page

K2 & K2/100 Data Sheet on our Manual Download Page

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 2000 QST K2 Product Review

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.

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, DSP and Audio Filter options. (See below)

No SMT (surface mount) assembly: For those of you who have asked, we are not using surface mount devices in the K2. Elecraft is committed to making easy to construct, full-featured HF rigs. (We do have some surface mount devices on the KDSP2 DSP filter, which are pre-installed by Elecraft.)

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.

K2/100 Transceiver folded out. (Click to enlarge)

(KPA100 option - with shield removed - on the right)

K2 STANDARD FEATURES | Specifications and Pricing subject to change without notice.
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

K2 and Accessories Click on underlined part numbers for details. |  |
K2 | HF Transceiver |  | KAT100-1 | 100W Ext. ATU
KPA100 | 100W Option (K2 + KPA100 = K2/100) |  | KAT100-2 | 100W ATU w / EC2 Panels
KSB2 | SSB Option |  | KAT100PNL | Converts KAT100-1 to -2
K160RX | 160M, 2nd RX Antenna Option |  | KBT2 | Internal Battery Kit
KNB2 | Noise Blanker Option |  | KBT2-X | (KBT2 w/o Battery)
KDSP2 | Advanced Internal DSP Filter and Clock |  | BATT | Replacement Battery
KAF2 | Audio Filter and Clock |  | EC2 | Blank Project Enclosure
KIO2 | RS-232 Interface |  | ETS15 | 1.5" Tilt Stand for EC2, KAT100
KAT2 | 20W Internal ATU |  | ETS2 | Std 3" Tilt Stand for EC2
K60XV | 60M and Transverter Adapter |  |  |
Microphones |  |
Proset-K2 | Heil Boom Headset for the K2 |  |  |
Transverters (K2 and most HF rigs) |  | Band Decoder (K2 and most HF rigs)
XV50 | 6 Meter Transverter |  | KRC2 | Band Decoder for Ant Relays
XV144 | 2 Meter Transverter |  | FDIMP | Finger Dimple for K1 & K2
XV222 | 222 MHz Transverter |  |
XVOVN | Crystal Oven for XV |  |

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K2 Option Details

| KPA100: K2/100 Internal Integration Kit The KPA100 allows you to complete your K2 as a K2/100 full featured 100W HF transceiver. The kit of internal parts and heatsink fit totally inside the K2. The KPA100 also includes SWR / Power metering, microprocessor controlled PIN diode switched T/R, an internal speaker and a RS-232 Aux I/O computer control rig interface (equivalent to the KIO2). (Not compatible with other radios.)
| Proset-K2 Headset with Heil Elements This microphone is the result of a collaboration between Bob Heil of Heil Sound and Elecraft. They all use the Heil high performance condenser element which is optimally matched to the K2 and provides excellent SSB audio quality.
| KDSP2 Internal DSP Filter The Elecraft KDSP2 brings versatile, high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) technology to the K2 and K2/100 transceivers. 12 Unique filter settings! The KDSP2 provides up to four user-configurable filters in each mode (CW/SSB/data), complementing the K2's variable-bandwidth crystal filter. CW filter settings include center frequency and bandwidth, with "hard" and "soft" filter algorithms and bandwidths as narrow as 50 Hz. SSB filters provide programmable low and high cutoff frequencies. Four levels of noise reduction are available in CW and SSB modes. SSB mode includes an automatic notch filter. The KDSP2 is unique in that noise reduction and auto notch parameters can be modified through the menu to suit the operator. The KDSP2 and the KAF2 (below) use the same connector and can not be installed at the same time.
| KAF2 Audio Filter and Real-Time Clock The KAF2 provides an elliptic, L-C low-pass filter, and a narrow band-pass filter for CW or data use. The low-pass filter rolls off noise and high-frequency QRM while having no impact on speech or data signals. The low-noise, two-stage, active band-pass filter helps pull in weak CW signals, and can be turned on or off from the front panel. In addition to two audio filter settings, the KAF2 includes a real-time 24-hour clock/calendar with its own multi-year backup battery. Just tap the DISPLAY button to see the time or date on the K2's LCD! Great for field trips--no need to take along a digital clock. Supports MM/DD and DD/MM date formats. The KAF2 and the KDSP2 (above) use the same connector and can not be installed at the same time.
| KSB2 SSB Adapter The KSB2 adds SSB and data modes to the basic K2 transceiver. Includes an optimized, 7-pole, 2.2-kHz crystal filter. Can be used with nearly any dynamic or condenser microphone.
| KNB2 High Performance Noise Blanker The KNB2 eliminates most pulse-type noise, including that from power lines.
| K160M 160M and 2nd RX Port Adds 160 meters TX/RX and a 2nd RX antenna input (usable for all bands). Also supports transverters needing split TX/RX paths.
| KIO2 RS-232 Interface and Aux I/O You'll be able to do full computer control of the K2 with the KIO2 installed, and you won't need an external level converter, since the KIO2 provides true RS-232 levels. Compatible with most contesting and logging software, as well as our own K2VOICE and K2REMOTE programs. The KIO2 Programmer's Reference provides extensive information for those writing custom K2 control programs. Note: The KPA100 option for the K2/100 includes a RS-232 interface. The KIO2 is only needed for the base, 15W K2, without the KPA100.
| KAT2 Automatic Antenna Tuner The KAT2 allows you to connect nearly any antenna directly to the K2 and use it on all bands (160-10 m). Two antenna jacks are provided--instantly A/B test both antennas on any signal using the ANT 1/2 switch. Uses all latching relays, so current drain is zero except when tuning.
| KAT100 External 150W Auto Tuner for the K2 and K2/100 The KAT100 is an ideal match for the K2/100, and will also work with the K2. It can easily handle 150 watts, and its 10 LEDs accurately monitor SWR during transmit. Like the KAT2, the KAT100 includes two antenna jacks--it's like having two ATUs in one.
| KBT2 Battery With the KBT2 installed, the K2 becomes the ultimate all-band field radio. Rated at 2.9 AH, the gel-cel battery is extremely safe, and can be recharged inside the K2 continuously from the same DC supply used to power the rig at home. Power outage? No problem--you'll never miss a beat! (KBT2 not available for K2/100.)
| EC2 Custom project enclosure 3"H x 8"W x 8"W (Same size, color and finish as the K2)
| FDIMP FingerDimple for the K1 and K2

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"I Can't believe it's a kit!"

What our customers and magazines say about the K2 - See our Review Page

Selected reviews from our review page:

K2/100 Review - November, 2002, CQ Magaine (.pdf) | QST K2 Product Review March 2000 (Now no password required! OK to print.) | The DX Prowess of HF Receivers, Sept./Oct. 2002 QEX Magazine.
K2/100 Reviews at eHam.net | K2 Reviews at eham.net (HF Rigs) | K2 Reviews at eham.net (QRP Rigs)

K2 Data Sheet (pdf) on our Manual Download Page | K2 Spec. Comparisons with other rigs
Step by Step K2 Assembly pictures, by Eric, PA3CEV | K2 Mountain Topping Trip
Internal K2 pictures | K2 at Field Day
High Resolution K2/100 Picture (.jpg) | Size comparison with other rigs
'K2 Remote' and 'K2 Voice' Software | K2 Road Test NN6CW
Secure Order Page and Price List Contact Elecraft