Robin,
I understand about your pleasures of the K2, but I doubt you will see
any more upgrades to the K2. Just enjoy it as it is right now (unless
yours could use the upgrade kits that are available).
Parts for the K2 are becoming harder and harder to source, but Elecraft
has done a magnificent job of trying to keep up with alternatives as the
availability of the original parts has vanished. A few that I have been
involved with are the substitution of the speech processor on the KSB2
option, the unavailability of SA612 ICs in DIP format, and the lack of
trimmer capacitors that were used in the past (which created the demise
of the K1 4 band board).
I am not sure how much longer the K2 can "hang in there" as a new kit
with the world switching to SMD components and leaving the thru-hole
components behind as obsolete. Time will tell, but what I am saying is
that Elecraft has made successful substitutions so far, but there will
be a day when that is no longer possible. I also hate to think of the
time when proper replacement parts for the K2 are no longer available,
but I do see "the writing on the wall".
So to ask for improvement for an 18 year old design may be asking for
more than can be reasonably accomplished at a desirable price point.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 6/24/2016 12:09 AM, Robin Bayer wrote:
For casual CW, the K2 sounds and performs. Sometimes I daydream about a
K2s upgrade kit. Finer tuning, encoder controls, Band memories, all those
aftermarket mic, level out, an 1/8 phone jack, modern internal battery. Oh
and easily adjustable DSP filtering.
A K3 is out of my range, well maybe a well used one someday.
For QRP contesting, and scanning the bands for signals, nothing beats the
KX3, Win4K3 and a good sound card for the Pan adapter. During CWT the
signals were tight, but hardly a click with the filter tightened. A great
value.
Building most of the accessories for my K2/10 and almost all worked
immediately! I am still pleased to share it in my station report during
rag chews.
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