[CQ-Contest] K2/100 vs. MP

[Bill Coleman]

On May 26, 2004, at 6:33 PM, Blake M. Meinecke wrote:

> I've got both a regular 1998 MP and a K2/100.  I mainly use the K2 as 
> radio
> 2 and have noticed many of the things John mentions, but I need to put 
> 2
> beefs on the list:
>
> 1) The radio has NO CW PTT!!!  The dot keying line doubles as the CW 
> PTT.

There is no CW PTT. The dot keying line and the Microphone PTT share 
the same input port on the main microprocessor.

> This strange design makes for some interesting hookup dilemas with RX 
> ant
> lockouts and stuff.  The sharing also means plugging/unplugging the mic
> cable during mixed mode contests (or turning off/on ptt in software).

Big problem with implementing CW PTT is that this would deactivate the 
internal keyer. That may not be a big problem for contestors.

> 2) No
> zero detent for the RIT ARRRRGH !!!  You have to look at the rit offset
> while turning to get it back to zero, and you can't turn it on mid-QSO 
> and
> expect to have the same station in the PB because you have no idea 
> where
> it's set!

This is a pain. It is possible to clear the RIT from the computer 
control port, or you can program a button on the KRC2 to do the same 
thing. Of course, if you use the RIT to one side each time, you'll 
eventually run out of tuning room....


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901