OK, I might as well chime in on this thread too. My introduction to Elecraft was in 1999 (or was it 1998) in the form of a post to the QRP reflector. That post was looking for Field Testers for a new transceiver (the K2). I already had an FT-900 transceiver that I enjoyed, but the concept of building my own full function transceiver was appealing, so I did a lot of "shopping" for the various kits that were on the market. I ignored the "toy" radios that are fun to build, but are typically crystal controlled and were not integrated into a "system" radio. I looked at the SWL series (single band), and the OHR offerings, but was not entirely satisfied with any of them - the Sierra had some appeal, but it did not have bandswitching, but instead had plug-in band modules.
Then the K2 description whetted my appetite and I ordered a Field Test K2 sort of like a "pig in a poke". I had to give my credit card info up front, but then as a Field Tester, I was receiving a 10% discounted price! When I received my kit and the building started (the Field Test email reflector had already been established), I did as any Field Tester should do and offered my suggestions for changes in the manual and any other things that crept into my mind that might enhance the K2 for other builders. We initial Field Testers had a great time, and helped one another through the build process using that email reflector. When all was completed and the K2 "went live", we felt we had done a good job, and that was going to be the end of it. Well, suddenly Eric announced that the success of the Field Tester email reflector was so helpful that it would be made available for all builders. We could help others through any problems encountered while building their K2s. Soon, that expanded to the K1, the mini-modules, and the KX1, and then on to the K3. It has been an exciting experience for me personally, and I have developed a lot of friends through this email reflector. Yes, the K3 is a great transceiver (the K2 is too), and the K1 and KX1 are superb in their own place in the market, and Elecraft Support is as great as ever. So am I biased - definitely YES. Confession: I am biased! I do hourly repair work for Elecraft, and I can say that there is not a better employer. I also am permitted to do independent upgrades and new builds of Elecraft gear - with the blessing of Eric and Wayne. I have never worked in such a comfortable environment - and business is conducted almost seamlessly between Watsonville, CA and my location in Wake Forest, NC - thanks to the internet and the way it is used at Elecraft. Yes, I will be at Dayton, spending a lot of my time at the Elecraft booth "cheering" for Elecraft. I enjoy meeting people that I normally only exchange emails with. I love my K3 and my K2 SN 0020 will pass likely pass to my grandson who has recently become a ham when I become an SK. That K2 is a part of me and my history, and will not be sold as long as I live - it is a part of me and my experience that I will never forget (and I have no regrets). Thank you Elecraft for creating more than several great transceivers, you have created a community, and that community of users lives on through the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
