So after all this discussion of the K3, here I am getting ready to purchase a K2.

As I think I have mentioned before, I am setting up a science and technology center in our school, Granite Bay Montessori School. (http://www.gbmontessori.com) We have received a grant from the ARRL to help populate the center with equipment including an amateur station. We have been asked for a list of what we would like and I have decided to go against the flow and request a K2 kit. (They were recommending we choose either a Yaesu FT-897, an Icom IC-706mkIIg, or a Kenwood TS-570SG.)

My plan is to have the all the kids work on the kit so that they have the feeling of both participation and accomplishment. I also plan to use the assembly and testing procedures to help cement what they are learning about electricity.

The radios mentioned above all fall into the sub $1000 range so that is a calibration point for what I think we can get away with spending. So my question here is, if you were going to outfit a K2 and try to keep the price "reasonable" what would you get and what might you leave behind. As I see it, the absolute must-have items are:

1. the K2 itself (duh);
2. the SSB module.

After that it becomes a bit fuzzy. For instance, I would like opinions as to the need for the KPA-100. Note that if I don't opt for the KPA-100 I *will* get the KIO-2. Since I expect to be using this rig mostly in in the classroom with a matched antenna (I am leaning toward the GAP Titan DX as I have one and like it), I probably would not opt for the KAT-2. What about the DSP module?

The kids are learning the code and I hope/expect that there will be a fair amount of CW operation. (The kids actually think that learning the code will be a cool thing in and of itself. I am using the Code Quick system with them.) I also expect some SSB and digital (AFSK, PSK31, MFSK, SSTV, etc.) operation.

Anyway, I solicit the input from the folks on this list. You have a lot of experience with the product and can help me make the right decisions.

Thanks!

73 de Brian, WB6RQN
Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com


_______________________________________________
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

Reply via email to