On 6/8/2013 3:09 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote:
Ed,
Glad I never discussed the same issue with the wife when I bought the K2. I
now own the K3 and KX3. The K2 is my hearty backup in case of issues. The
Kx3 is my living room radio, if you can believe it. The KX3 can be routed
through my THP 2.5 for a 300 watt signal provided I have selected and tuned
for the correct band while in the living room. The wife, pretends to be
somewhat oblivious.... She's a keeper, esp. after nearly 40 years.
My K2 serves two purposes: It's my QRP field radio, and I use it in
occasional CW contests, sometimes in QRP entry class, sometimes in LP.
The "coefficient of usability" of the K2 is exceeded only by my K3, but
sometimes it's a slam dunk for the K2 if I want to work a CW Sprint out
on the deck [if you really think it's "wireless," peek behind my
K-line]. Sometimes, I just turn to it because I like to use it ... a
lot. I've given up getting a mic for it.
Shortly before I retired [2000], Andrea took up Needlepoint, and became
as addicted to it as I am to ham radio. She proposed "Equal Hobby
Allowances," I agreed, not knowing much about the economics of
Needlepoint. The kids are long gone, one of several grandsons comes up
and drives the tractor to mow the place [and we leave some cash in his
car, he'd come anyway but he's the one who does], the house and vehicles
are paid off, and there's money left in the checking account at the end
of each month.
Economics of Needlepoint: Most of my stuff is somewhat more expensive
than hers. She needs waaay more of her stuff than I do of mine. It was
a good deal. :-)
45 years and counting. New grandkids have ended [he says with hopeful
certainty], they're making great grandkids now.
Firmware for the K2 is embedded in the chip, there have been a series of
small hardware mods over the years. The radio is pretty stable. I
doubt seriously Elecraft will ever tell us they won't talk to us about
it. A chip might not be available anymore, and my K2 may become
e-trash, but I'm not thinking anytime soon. I'm at the point where its
life expectancy may exceed mine.
73,
Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013
- www.cqp.org
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