Keith Darwin, wrote: > I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the hobby. I'm > interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP)... Can the 100 > watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?... > How does K2 compare to the TenTec Argonaut V?
Keith, I am a really new Ham. I got my Tech Plus in 1996, then without ever touching a radio upgraded to General in Nov 2003. My first radio was the Ten Tec 516 Argonaut V with the TCXO. My very first time on the air with anything other than a CB (and we don't need to talk about that) was Feb 2004. Things I love about the Argonaut V. I like having 100 programmable memories, the QSK is fantastic, General Coverage Receiver, and I didn't need any extra filters or modifications to get on the air. Things I don't like about the Argonaut V, it takes a lot of power and not well suited for field operations. I got into Ham Radio for CW operations. I have been 100% CW from day one. I had such a great time with my Argonaut at home I decided to buy a KX1 for field operations. I was so impressed with the KX1 and had such great fun building and operating with it I bought a K2. I wish my K2 had more memories but then I could always hook it up to a computer. I started out with a basic K2 and then added the KNB2 Noise Blanker, KAT2 Antenna Tuner, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2 KDSP2 and KAF2 real time clock. This kit building thing is very addictive, and while I don't use it I installed the KSB2 for SSB. I even got really froggy and built the KPA100 and mounted it in a remote KAT100 Auto tuner. Effectively I have a great K2 QRP rig that is remoted for QRO operations and I can quickly disconnect and take it to the field. I have run my K2 side by side with my Argonaut V switching back and forth to the same antenna. The differences to my NOVICE ear are very subtle. With all of that said the KDSP2 on my K2 is hands down the best addition to my K2 and lets me copy stuff that I would never be able to filter out on with my Argonaut V. I will not be getting rid of my Argonaut V any time soon, it is a great rig. My K2 is and will remain my main rig. Currently my Argonaut V is on loan to my Dad who has also been QRT for several years. As soon as he finishes building his K1, I will get my Ten Tec back. As for the K2 mods, build the basic K2 and add the mods later after the basic rig is working. Building it and operating it has been absolutely fantastic. The Elecraft Reflector has been my proxy Elmer, and the customer support from Elecraft during the build is the best. If your interested I have a small web page that shows my shack and some projects, http://tinyurl.com/dy8g6 If I could only have one radio it would without a doubt be my K2. I hope that helps 73 KI4DGH Chuck Gehring _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
