80 ELECRAFT
This section of the manual explains how to set up and operate the
K2. Refer to the K2 FRONT PANEL and REAR PANEL
illustrations on the previous pages for control locations.
Connections
Power Supply
You can power the basic K2 (without the KPA100 amplifier)
from any 9-15 V DC power supply. A mating connector for the
DC input jack is provided with the kit. Current drain is typically
1.5-2 A on transmit, but can be over 3 A at the highest power
settings or with high SWR. (See Current Limiting, below.)
Internal Battery: An optional 12 V, 2.9-Ah rechargeable
battery can be installed inside the K2 (model KBT2). A 14.0 V
power supply can then be used to recharge the battery and power
the transceiver. If an external battery is connected, the internal
battery must be disabled using the INT BATTERY switch (rear
panel). This will prevent undercharging of the internal battery.
Low Battery Warning: If the battery (or power supply) voltage
drops below about 11 V, you’ll see a brief L O B A T T message
flashed on the LCD once every 8 minutes (approx.). If this
happens, you should reduce power and recharge your battery as
soon as possible. For tips on extending battery life, see page 97.
Self-Resetting Fuse: If the K2's internal 12 V line is shorted to
ground, fuse F1 will temporarily open, limiting current drain to
about 100 mA. The display will remain blank. If this happens,
turn power off until the problem is located and corrected.
Current Limiting: You can specify the maximum transmit
current (see C A L C U R , page 84). You'll see H I C U R on the
LCD if the programmed limit is reached.
50/60-Hz Interference: Do not place the K2 beside, or on top
of, any equipment that uses a large AC power transformer. This
could result in modulation of the K2's low-level signal sources.
Antenna
A well-matched antenna (50 Ω) or an antenna tuner should be used
with the K2. Some high SWR conditions may result in excessive
current drain unless power is reduced.
If you have the KAT2 antenna tuner option installed, the K2's
power control and power output display will be much more accurate
under all SWR conditions.
Keying Devices
Any type of hand key, bug, or external keyer can be plugged into the
KEY jack, or you can use the K2's built-in memory keyer. In all
cases, you must use a stereo plug with the keying device (a suitable
plug is provided with the kit). Also see CW Operation (page 92).
Microphone
A standard 8-pin microphone jack is provided on the front panel. A
jumper block on the front panel PCB is used to configure the mic
jack for specific microphones. Refer to the SSB adapter manual.
Headphones
Any type of mono or stereo headphones at nearly any impedance
will work with the K2. However, for best results we recommend high-
quality stereo headphones with full ear covers and 1/8" (3 mm) plug.
External Speaker
The K2 has a built-in, high-sensitivity 4-ohm speaker. You can also
plug in an external 4 or 8-ohm speaker at the "EXT. SPKR" jack.
Option Connectors
A number of mounting holes are provided on the back panel of the
K2 for specific option connectors. See Options (page 110).
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