> Therefore, by the time I buy the kits from Elecraft and pay > for assembly, I am looking at $1270 to $1370 for a basic K2 > with what I need for data ops. For $1399, I can get a K3/10 > with the same features plus many extras and better > performance.
> Maybe I should also look for a used K2 but I am real picky > on build quality. Keep an eye on eBay. There has been a regular stream of K2's up there. I haven't been watching the selling prices closely, but you can expect to pick one up for at least 20% less than the kit price and perhaps as much as 30% off. You may end up with an accessory or two that you don't want, but you'll save a lot of money vs. buying a kit and having it built. The K2 isn't that hard to build. If it's been working for the previous owner, it will work for you. You can ask for close-up pictures if you want. The K2 is a lot different than say the old Heathkit days. With all the point-to-point wiring and stacks of components soldered to terminals, the skill of the builder could dramatically affect appearance and performance. And I don't think I ever built a Heathkit that worked right when I got done. They required a lot of debugging after they were complete. With the Elecraft kits you just build them and they work (with a few exceptions as some here will testify). But the point is I don't think there is as much variability in quality as you might find with other kits and homebrew projects. Of course, they're designed that way. :-) Craig NZ0R KX1 #1499 K1 #1966 K2/100 #4941 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Tobias Croteau Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 7:23 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 or K3 As some of you know, I've been looking at putting together a K2 station for portable RTTY/PSK31 operation. However, as I am looking at the cost differences, I am now wondering if I might better off with a K3. Here is my dilemma: I am disabled and unable to solder because the medications I am on make my hands shake like crazy. The person who normally builds kits for me is unable to take on this task due to family and work commitments. I have contacted three of the builders in the Elecraft community and have received quotes ranging from $350 to $450 to do what I want. Therefore, by the time I buy the kits from Elecraft and pay for assembly, I am looking at $1270 to $1370 for a basic K2 with what I need for data ops. For $1399, I can get a K3/10 with the same features plus many extras and better performance. Maybe I should also look for a used K2 but I am real picky on build quality. Any advice guys? Thanks - JT _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
