Page 1 of The Elecraft K2/100 by Elecraft

A nyone who has surveyed a current catalog of amateur radio equipment is well aware of the wide selection thats available today. No longer must one choose between an HF and a VHF/UHF transceiver, since many of todays units incorporate coverage of amateur bands from 1.8 to 450 MHz. Accessories such as keyers and antenna tuners frequently are built-in, and many radios can be controlled from a computer, allowing users to set up a customized virtual front panel that meets their liking. Despite the broad selection of equipment thats available today, almost all of these new radios have one thing in common: They all essentially are commodity devices built to be produced in large numbers, not repaired. Surface-mount technology, once found only in more expensive commercial equipment, now is basically ubiquitous. In the past, an amateur who wanted to adopt an approach different from simply taking a radio out of the box and plugging it in could either home brew his equipment or build a kit. Unfortunately, today homebrewing is difficult, as sources for some of the more esoteric RF parts are drying up. Also, with the demise of Heathkit, Knight Kit, Eico, et al., the majority of kits on the market are simple QRP radios. Many amateurs long to get back to basics, but for some a QRP transceiver is not what they are looking for. Enter Elecraft Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ, and Wayne Burdick, N6KR, formerly of Wilderness Radio QRP fame, saw this need for a high-performance amateur radio transceiver kit with the basic features that todays ham wants while still being easy to construct at home. The Elecraft K2, introduced in 1999, was an almost overnight success. This 15 watt transceiver has a loyal, almost cult-like following. Numerous accessories have been added to the K2 over the past three years. However, the one aspect of the transceiver that many K2 owners longed for higher output power seemed elusive. Early on, the Elecraft web page indicated that a 50 or 100 watt PA would be available. However, as time passed, many questioned whether it would happen. Well, after waiting almost three years, its here in the form of the Elecraft K2/100. If you are an amateur who has always wanted to build your own transceiver but didnt want to settle for QRP power levels, this is the radio for you. Lets lift the hood and take a close look at this high-performance, mediumpower transceiver. Under The Hood The basic Elecraft K2/100 covers 80 through 10 meters, including the WARC If you want bells and whistles to impress your ham buddies, look somewhere else. However, if you want hot performance from a solidly designed, 100 watt HF rig you can build yourself, read on... CQ Reviews: The Elecraft K2/100 Getting Back to Basics BY SCOTT PRATHER,* N7NB *e-mail: sdprat@worldnet.att.net The Elecraft K2/100, a100 watt HF rig you can build yourself.

[close]