Rob and All, I think most of your questions have already been very effectively addressed by Don Wilhelm. I would add my concurrence with all that he said based on my use of both a K2 and K3 in situations you describe.
I have a motorhome that I use extensively during summer months, and I even picked up a 2nd K2 specifically to keep in that RV. It works very well in that type of situation since it has a small footprint, and lots of flexibility. My K2 is the QRP version, and I also have a small THP HL50B amp which gives me the ability to add a little punch when necessary. I can cover all the HF bands, and operate both CW and SSB with it, although CW is my primary mode. I also have a small travel trailer that I use for outings with some other ham friends here locally. We go out several times a year to various camping locations, and usually my K2 is what I bring along. I've taken the K3 several times, but I like the lower power consumption of the K2. My favorite operating event is Field Day, which I usually participate in running QRP. The K2 is nearly perfect for that--a very competent radio, and low power consumption. I'm not a serious contester, however, but if I was I would take the K3 instead. The K3 isn't that much bigger, and it is very portable. Obviously, it is an even more competent and versatile radio, but it can almost be overkill in many of the situations I use a radio for while camping. Having the luxury of chosing between the two types is very nice, but I wouldn't hesitate to take either one on just about any outing. Both the K2 and K3 have very good ATU options (much better than most internal ATU's I've had in other radios). However, as Don points out, they can struggle with some types of antennas like end fed half waves. I always take a small MFJ tuner for that reason, as I do use a wide variety of antenna types depending on my location. More often than not, the internal ATU will handle things just fine, but it helps to be prepared for unusual circumstances. I've operated CW mobile for years, going back to when I first bought a Ten-Tec Argonaut 505. The K2 has seen some use in that fashion as well, and works great. Newer radios, like the TS-480, work better for that type of operating though, since they have removable heads which makes it much more convenient. However, the K2 has a better receiver! By the way, the TS-480 is, hands down, a better radio than the FT-897 except the 480 doesn't have VHF/UHF. So, the bottom line is you wouldn't regret buying either a K2 or K3. If you can swing the K3, do it! If you only have one radio, that's the one you want. You won't regret having a K2 in most cases, but the added features of the K3 make it so much more fun to operate. Either radio will work very well in all the situations you mention. Dave W7AQK ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob Carter" <ro...@slingshot.co.nz> To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 12:47 AM Subject: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion > Hi, > Have been following some of the discussions here with interest. Thanks for > the friendly and positive way you deal with topics of all sorts. > First of all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the team at Elecraft > and any every one else in the group. > > My interest in Ham Radio is varied. I like the K2 for it's frugal use of > DC power. I use radios in a portable realm sometimes, in the motorhome, at > ILLW and Field Days.. . of course they sometimes get plugged in at home as > well lol. Mainly SSB, but my CW is improving. > So like all i seek the ideal radio... a go anywhere, yet still > sophisticated enough to work as a base radio. > A good Rx is important to me. It needs to sound smooth to the ear for > extended use. The radio also needs to be stable enough for data use > > Currently running a FT897 as a utility radio and an old IC 740 as a field > day or ILLW radio. > The cool features and portability of the 897 are great and the Rx > performance of the old Icom seem to be great for ILLW and Field Days, well > here in New Zealand anyway, lol. > Have thought to upgrade to a more highly spec portable QRP radio that can > be used with an amplifier on base or in the motorhome and of course stand > alone in the field. > > So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome > (is that an RV in your language)? > Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? > > Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? > > Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi > antennae? > > I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, > but would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could > spare me a couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that > would be great. > Thanks > Rob > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
