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Homebrewing, DX’ing and QRP (How to re-energize your interest in Ham Radio without Viagra…)

Homebrewing, DX’ing and QRP (How to re-energize your interest in Ham Radio without Viagra…). Bringing the fun of building back to Ham Radio. Who Are We?. Both hams since ‘71 Wayne (N6KR, ex WN6HQH) QRP Design Fanatic (Sierra, NorCal40, SST…) B.S. Cognitive Science, UCSD

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Homebrewing, DX’ing and QRP (How to re-energize your interest in Ham Radio without Viagra…)

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  1. Homebrewing, DX’ing and QRP (How to re-energize your interest in Ham Radio without Viagra…) Bringing the fun of building back to Ham Radio.

  2. Who Are We? • Both hams since ‘71 • Wayne (N6KR, ex WN6HQH) • QRP Design Fanatic (Sierra, NorCal40, SST…) • B.S. Cognitive Science, UCSD • Silicon Valley Guy (Firmware / EE / UI) • Eric (WA6HHQ) • Kamikaze QRP DX’er (NorCal40 DXCC) • B. S. Electronics, Yale • Startup Addict: Mountain Comp., Verisys, Elecraft

  3. Eric, WA6HHQ Wayne, N6KR

  4. Complimentary Styles Wayne – N6KR: • QRP, Low Power Drain, Portable • Elegant, Minimum Number of Parts • Easy to use, Excellent Documentation Eric – WA6HHQ: • QRO/QRP, High Performance Design • Big Rig Features • Solid Engineering Design

  5. Goals….. • Re-birth of the ‘Heathkit’ Experience • Building and using your rig is Fun! (‘Mojo’) • Create a worldwide community of Elecraft builders to share their experiences. • Encourage portable HF operation. • Bring back the excitement of building, modifying, (breaking), fixing and operating with equipment you have built yourself!

  6. The Excitement is Back! • Portable / Mobile DX’ing (20M-10M is HOT with the sunspot peak!) • World Wide Builder Community on the internet and on the air. • Chasing DX - This time QRP! • Building Modifying our own Radios • Meeting new people world wide on the air. • Sharing experiences and ideas.

  7. K1 Four or Two-Band HF Transceiver

  8. Introducing the K1…a compact, high-performance CW rig that you can build. HF operation is more fun than ever these days–five watts is all you need to work worldwide DX. That's why we've packed four bands into our affordable easy-to-build K1 transceiver. With your choice of  *four* HF bands (40, 30, 20, and 17 or 15 meters)or *two* bands(80, 40, 30, 20, 17  and 15 meters available) you'll be able to go where the action is, day or night. “I Can’t Believe It’s a Kit!” The K1 is small–only 2.2"H x 5.2"W x 5.6"D, and weighs 1.4 pounds. Yet we've included many features you'd expect in a desk-top HF transceiver, including RIT and XIT, full break-in CW, memory keyer, three crystal filter bandwidths, configuration menu, speaker, and digital display. The K1 is styled to match our all-band K2 transceiver, with the same “look and feel,” attention to detail, and operating mojo you'd expect from Elecraft.

  9. An HF radio you'll never leave at home Looking for adventure? With its low receive-mode current drain of under 58 mA, the K1 is a natural for portable operation. (You really can power it from a 9-volt battery, in a pinch, thanks to our low-dropout 8-volt regulator.) Hikers will appreciate our unique Wide-Range Tilt Stand (model KTS1), which supports the radio at any desired viewing angle. Ideal for first-time kit builders We use only through-hole components in the K1 to make construction and testing a breeze. And our wireless design methodology eliminates nearly all point-to-point wiring. Finally, the front panel and filter boards plug directly into the RF board to form a clean, rugged assembly. You'll be tempted to leave the cover off to admire your work! You also won't need a lab-full of test gear to align the K1. It includes a built-in digital voltmeter, wattmeter, and frequency counter.

  10. K1 – Cover Off

  11. K1 – Side View (Panels Removed)

  12. KAT1 ATU Mounted above K1 Filter Board

  13. Comprehensive Assembly Manual You'll find the K1 manual easy to follow, with step-by-step assembly, clear illustrations and photos, and modular checkout of each major section. There's also a detailed theory of operation section, as well as a complete troubleshooting guide. Strong Customer Support Our technical support via telephone and the Internet will get your Elecraft K1 up and running quickly. On-line manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQ), application notes and our user group e-mail list make building the K1 a great experience.

  14. K1 Pricing • K1 Four Band CW Transceiver (5W) $349.00 • 40, 30, 20, and 17 or 15M available. • K1 Two Band CW Transceiver (5W) $279.00 • 80, 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15M available. • Additional Two-Band Module $ 59.00 • Noise Blanker $ 35.00 • Internal Auto Tuner $ 89.00 • KTS1 Wide Range Tilt Stand $ 35.00

  15. K1 with Wide Range Tilt Stand (for field use)

  16. The K2 CW/SSB HF Transceiver

  17. The K2Transceiver • Key Fundamentals: • Fun to use! • Good RX Performance (3rd Order dyn range= 99dB; IP2 = +77dBm; Blocking Dynamic Range = 133db; Low Phase Noise) • No wires construction; Modular, upgradeable • User modifiable designs - Easy to understand • Efficient 12v operation for home or field use

  18. The K2 • Small and Light: 3 x 7.5 x 7.5” ; 3Lbs. • 160-10 meters; PLL synthesized • CW only and SSB/CW (SSB upgrade) • Down conversion to low IF (4.915MHz) • Best trade-off of cost / complexity • IF derived AGC, Variable B/W CW crystal filter • 10W PEP (100W option module)

  19. K2 Options • SSB (7 pole SSB filter; speech compressor) • Internal Auto Tuner (Latching Relays) • 160M / 2nd RX Antenna • Audio Filter/Real Time Clock • Noise Blanker (Excellent Performance) • Internal 2.9 AH Battery (3 lbs.)

  20. K2 SSB Option 160M / 2nd Ant Option Audio Filter/ Real time Clock

  21. K2 Advanced Features • CW Full Break-in; Diode Switched TX/RX • Programmable Memory Keyer (9 memories) • ‘Hunt and Pounce’ Band Search Mode • 120ma Low Current RX Mode • Built in Test: Freq. Counter, Volt/Amp Meters • Self Calibration Firmware

  22. RIG MDS (dBm) IMDDR3 (dB) Ip3 (dBm) Ip2 (dBm) BDR (dB) Phase Noise(dBc at +4 kHz) K2 -131/-138 97 / 98 +21.6 / +6.9 +76 / +75 136 / 128 -120 FT-1000MP -128  /-135 97 / 94 +15 / +5 +86/+88 142 / 137 -118 Ten-Tec Omni6+ -133 97 +12 +58 123 (nl) -117 IC-756 PRO** -128 / -136 / -140 95 / 92 / 88 +15.4 / +4.3 / -6.9 +64 / +63 / +43 127 / 125 / 120 -130 TS-870 -129 / -139 97 / 95 +16 / +4 +63 / +63 127 / 123 -118 Kachina 505DSP -133 / -142 99 / 97 +15.5 / +3.5 +49 / +30 103 / 103 -117 Pegasus 550DSP -132 77 +7.2 +44.3 110 (nl) -104 Patcom PC1600A -127 94 +17.6 +54.1 118 -100 IC-706MKIIG -136/-142 89 / 86 -1.3 / -11 +36.4 / +38.5 122(nl)/120(nl) -118 TS-50 -132/-139 90 / 88 +3/-7 not meas. 113 / 109 -115 Ten-Tec Scout -125 87 +5.5 not meas. 119 -95 SGC-2020 -130 88 +15.5 +32 110 (nl) -108 K2 Receiver Performance Comparisons Numbers in  RED indicate results that are below average for the radios listed. See the actual ARRL reviews for details.

  23. RX Comparison Notes: These numbers are for 14Mhz operation, 500 Hz CW filter, AGC off, High Ip mode. XX / YY =  (preamp-off)  /  (preamp-on)  test results ** The IC-756 PRO has two different gain preamps. Numbers are for Pre-Off / Pre #1 / Pre #2.  Pre #2 adds more RX gain than Pre #1 at the expense of  dynamic range. Higher preamp gain reduces strong signal dynamic range. For comparison, Pre-Off and Pre #1 most closely match the K2's and other radio's settings and are the most commonly used positions nl = test was noise limited (noise floor rose 1db before 1db of blocking desense occurred) MDS = Minimum Discernible Signal (3db increase above noise floor). Larger negative numbers are generally better, but too much sensitivity can reduce strong signal dynamic range and Ip3. Pre-Amp On MDS numbers of -134dBm or more are more than adequate for most HF band operating, since band noise is typically above this number. (Lower frequencies need less MDS (more +number) due to an increase in atmospheric noise.) IMDDR3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Two tone IMD Dynamic Range. This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong nearby signals in relation to its sensitivity (MDS). Higher is better. Pre-Amp Off  IMDDR3 numbers of +95dBm or more are considered excellent. Ip3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Intercept Point. This test also shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong nearby signals. Higher is better. Pre-Amp OFF IP3 numbers of +15dBm are good, and +20dBm or more is excellent. Note: Low RX sensitivity can also artificially increase the measured Ip3. Ip2 = 2 tone (8.020MHz, 6.000MHz) 2nd order Intercept Point This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong out of band signals (such as broadcast signals on 6Mhz and 8Mhz creating birdies at 14Mhz). Higher is better. A Pre-Amp OFF IP2 of +55dBm is OK, and +70dBm or more is considered excellent. BDR = Blocking Dynamic Range  (20 kHz spacing). This test shows when the receiver's sensitivity begins to drop in the presence of strong near by signals. (Desense). A Pre-Amp OFF BDR of greater than 120dBm is good. Greater than 130dBm is considered excellent. Phase Noise = value read from ARRL test graph at  +10 kHz from the carrier. Numbers are for the worst case band. Larger negative numbers are better. Bad phase noise contributes to poor RX Blocking Dynamic Range (desense from nearby signals.) Good values are  -120 dBc or better at +10 kHz. See the actual ARRL phase noise plots in each review for details of other spurious phase noise components.  ARRL Results are from QST rig reviews (K2, 3/00;  IC756 PRO, 6/00; Omni6+, 11/97; FT1000MP, 4/96; Scout, 12/93; TS-50, 9/93; SGC-2020, 10/98; IC706MKII, 7/99; Ten Tec Pegasus, 2/00; Kachina 505DSP, 5/98; Patcom PC-1600A, 12/00)

  24. K2 Phase Noise (ARRL Lab)

  25. K2 Block Diagram

  26. K2 Pricing • K2 HF Transceiver (CW)…. $589.00 • SSB Option ………………... $ 85.00 • 160M / 2nd RX Ant. ………. $ 35.00 • Audio Filter/RT Clock …….. $ 69.00 • Noise Blanker ……………... $ 35.00 • Internal Auto Tuner ……….. $149.00 • Internal 2.9AH Battery w/hw $ 79.00 • AUX I/O RS-232 Interface ... $ 89.00

  27. Introducing“Wow! You built that yourself?” • K2 Fundamentals • Modular, upgradeable, no wires construction • User modifiable designs • Efficient 12v operation for home or field use • Excellent customer support

  28. K2 Transceiver • Modular, no wires construction, 2.9”h x 7.8”w x 8.2”d • 160-10 meters; PLL synthesized for low noise • CW only and SSB/CW (SSB upgrade) • Down conversion to low IF • Best trade-off of cost / complexity • IF derived AGC, Variable B/W crystal filter • 10W PEP (Higher power option module)

  29. Put the Fun back into Amateur Radio The K2 160-10m SSB/CW Transceiver re-creates the excitement of building and operating a full featured HF radio. Discover the thrill of building and really understanding your own radio equipment.

  30. Big Rig Features The K2 transceiver has the options you have come to expect from radios costing twice as much. Two VFO’s with multiple memories, split TX/RX operation, RIT/XIT, full break-in CW, memory keyer, narrow crystal filtering, excellent dynamic range and IF-derived AGC are all standard.

  31. Low Power Consumption The K2 is designed for use both at home and in the field. The K2’s low receive current (approx. 100-150ma in battery save mode) makes portable operation possible from small gel-cell batteries. The K2 even includes an option for an internal 2.9AH battery.

  32. Build the K2 for CW or CW/SSB The K2 offers efficient QRP CW operation on 80-10 meters with up to 10 watts power output. For more operating versatility, add our SSB, 160m, High Power PA and other options.

  33. Comprehensive Assembly Manual Our illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions include modular construction and checkout of each control, receive and transmit stage. Clear instructions combined with an extensive theory of operation section make the K2 a radio you can easily build, understand and even modify.

  34. Easy to Build, Understand and Repair Elecraft’s wireless design methodology eliminates most point to point wiring. The K2 also includes built in test equipment: voltmeter, frequency counter, and RF power meter. Telephone and on-line technical support will get you up and running quickly.

  35. How to contact www.elecraft.com sales@elecraft.com

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