The K2 is "all the radio" the average CW op needs. The problem then becomes "what's average?" If $$ is tight (been there, done that) and you may want to migrate to SSB, then my suggestion is save your money up for a K3, the current Queen of the Elecraft Fleet. The wait will be worth it. In the meantime, look for a small QRP CW rig under $100. Use it to develop your CW skills, weak signal techniques, and perseverance. When you finally get your K3 you'll be a superior op. Just my opinion. I'm sure you will get many other opinions. Weigh them all then make your decision. Best Wishes from Stan WB2LQF and welcome to ham radio. .
On Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 12:41 PM, Lee Herbst wrote: > My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save > for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not > on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. > > Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based > on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent > support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. > However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it > will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years > to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, > it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be > able to afford to replace it. > > I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I > could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by > building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other > side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. > So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air > sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most > welcome. > > 73, > > -- > Lee Herbst - AK4WN > > "Give God your best and let Him do the rest" - Facing the Giants > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 ______________________________________________________________ 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
