In search of something to replace the Icom IC-7000 with for travelling and various portable stations I was torn between the Elecraft K2, having used M0GEJ’s K2 I was smitten but on the other hand I was tempted by the newer sibling for all the advantages that the modern design brings. That combined with the upcoming KXPA-100 I was sold and placed the order direct with the factory.
Here are a few photos of the build process. It took only a few hours as it’s not a particularly complex component level build. The radio is a joy to use, though I’ve not used it on SSB. It’s got the internal ATU and roofing filter fitted. I tend to use an external Li-Po battery pack or some other external 13.8V source so haven’t fitted batteries inside.
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- The box, as it arrived from Elecraft.
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- The parts and manuals unpacked.
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- Starting the build, preparing the front panel.
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- The front panel assembly.
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- Missing the main VFO.
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- It’s coming together now.
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- The front panel during assembly.
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- The front panel, almost complete.
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- Preparing the rear part of the case.
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- The all important serial number.
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- The main RF board before the battery compartment and ATU are fitted.
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- Inside the back panel, the RF board, battery compartment and ATU.
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- A close up shot of the ‘front’ panel.
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- The antenna connection is on the right side panel
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- The main connections are on the left side panel.
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- Complete, very satisfying.
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- It works!
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- Now for some QSOs…