Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
You should be able to find a K2 for sale used for roughly 2/3 (sometimes more, sometimes less) of the retail kit and included modules price. This discount probably reflects the fact that you really don't know how well it was originally built, but thankfully the K2 is fairly forgiving of variations in construction skill. If you do find one used, you should probably assume that some aspect of it will require a bit of troubleshooting/sleuthing to make exactly right. Frankly, I find this every bit as interesting and absorbing as actually operating, so your take on this might be a little bit different. Fortunately again, the K2 manual goes to lengths to show you the way when troubleshooting, and the reflector and Elecraft support itself will go to great lengths to help you out. If you do buy a used K2, be sure to ask if the Frequency counter probe and RF Probe, included in the original kit but frequently separated, are included. Chip AE5KA __ 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] K2 vs K3
My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
You're going to get twice as many replies as there are people lurking on this list, Lee. :-) In the end, the decision is yours but you can base it on experience of others. Mine: I have a KX1, K2/10, and K3/KPA500/P3. I built my K2, S/N 4398, perhaps 5 or 6 years ago, with the ATU. I bought the KPA100 and KAT100 from a 3rd party and used the rig as my home station for about a year. It served me very well. I have two hams within 3 km of me, both QRO. With my TS-850, I could not operate on the same band as them [regardless of mode], the IMD generated inside my receiver made it impossible. With the K2, I could get within 3-4 KHz of them before hearing their key clicks. The K2 was fun to build, easy to operate, and a really good receiver. I subsequently added the SSB module [never used], and the KAF2 audio filter which I use occasionally. I swapped the Hi and Lo power tops when I wanted to take it into the field. After I got my K3, the QRP top stayed on and I finally sold the KPA100 and KAT100. Now, I use it in field events and for activating summits in SOTA. It is basically better than any radio I've ever owned except the K3. I assembled my K3, S/N 642, several years ago. It has the KAT3, 100W amp, and I have since added the DVK which I barely use, and I don't have the second receiver. Other than that, it is basically stock. I haven't added any filters beyond the two that came with it. I subsequently got the KPA500 and just recently the P3. The K3 is a better home station radio than the K2, for a number of reasons, but the K2 served me well in that capacity too. The receiver is better [mainly the IF DSP, although the K2 xtal filter is very good], I can get within 1 KHz of my two QRO comrades on CW, and it is very easy to use. It is also much more costly than the K2. Given your situation [we too were a single income family with 4 kids], I'd opt for a K2 kit. I'd definitely get the KAT2. I'd skip the other accessories to start with, get on CW with 10W and have a blast. There are a large number of QRP contests and events that you will really enjoy. You can also take it to the field very easily. If you decide to build a K2, inventory the entire kit FIRST! Separate the parts into little containers. Not only will it assure you aren't missing anything, it will also familiarize you with all the parts. I spent probably 50-60 hours, I work slowly. Don't build when you're tired or have had a glass of wine with dinner. :-) Hope this helps, 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012 - www.cqp.org On 8/8/2012 9:41 AM, Lee Herbst wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
The K2 is all the radio the average CW op needs. The problem then becomes what's average? If $$ is tight (been there, done that) and you may want to migrate to SSB, then my suggestion is save your money up for a K3, the current Queen of the Elecraft Fleet. The wait will be worth it. In the meantime, look for a small QRP CW rig under $100. Use it to develop your CW skills, weak signal techniques, and perseverance. When you finally get your K3 you'll be a superior op. Just my opinion. I'm sure you will get many other opinions. Weigh them all then make your decision. Best Wishes from Stan WB2LQF and welcome to ham radio. . On Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 12:41 PM, Lee Herbst wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Lee, I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for cheap and save up for the K3. Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun. A QRP rig could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to get on the air. You should be able to get something going as you save for the K3. Good luck! Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Aug 8, 2012, at 9:41 AM, Lee Herbst lcher...@gmail.com wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Lee, I don't have a K2, but when I decided to buy a K3, it seemed that by the time I added all of the extras on the K2 to make it contain all of the features of a K3, there wasn't much difference in price. I bought my K3 kit with only one option, a 400Hz filter. The price at that time was $2025 I believe (ordered in Dayton, May 2010). I have since added the KXV3A to interface with my MFJ noise canceller. 73, Art WB8ENE -- Original Message -- From: Lee Herbst lcher...@gmail.com To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 12:41:09 -0400 My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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 Woman is 57 But Looks 27 Mom publishes simple facelift trick that angered doctors... http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/5022b3ec842e133ec52c2st02vuc __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Lee, I'm with Keith's immediate solution. Waiting a year or two to get on the HF is a long time. There are plenty of seasoned hams with HF gear collecting dust that'll get you on the HF bands. In my area it is not uncommon to get a loaner HF rig or one at a very reasonable price. You'll be On The Air. One of the local fellows I've been Elmering borrowed an IC-745 that was collecting dust. He did buy it a month or so later at a very reasonable price. It has been a year since he's had the IC-745 and he's come a long way from August 2011. He's become quite proficient on CW, worked WAS, has 54 DXCC entities under his belt more! S, why wait! Get a loaner, put up a G5RV wire antenna, drive in a ground rod, connect it up to your radio and get on the air. You can find information on a G5RV all over the net. If you must have 2 meter mobile, find yourself a used piece of gear for $100. You should be able to find a FT-1802M for that. It's reliable and easy to use. Four years ago I bought one new for $139.00. There are also other pieces of 2M mobile gear out there that won't break your bank. When the time comes and you're ready to spend bigger dollars, buy the K3 or K2; both are excellent pieces of gear. They were both characterized beautifully in the email that was sent to you by Fred Jensen, K6DGW. 73, Dick, K2ZR K2 #6557 now a K2/100 w/KAT100-1 (Thanks Vic) ICOM IC-765( Oldie but Goodie HF Rig ) Yaesu FT-900AT ( Use it for HF mobile often ) ARRL OO ARRL WNY ASM FOC CWops Western NY DX Association Cold Brook Contest Club Western NY Contest Club QRPARCI #957 Pounding Brass Since March 19th,1962 Keith Heimbold wrote: Lee, I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for cheap and save up for the K3. Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun. A QRP rig could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to get on the air. You should be able to get something going as you save for the K3. Good luck! Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Aug 8, 2012, at 9:41 AM, Lee Herbst lcher...@gmail.com wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Lee I agree with Fred Jensen. The K2 was all the radio I ever needed. The operative word is needed. The K2 has served me well. I was licensed in 2009 and got my HF privileges in 2010. Since 2010, I have bought a TS830S used from a Canadian Missionary radio amateur an FT897 and got 2/3 of the states for Worked All States (phone) between those 2 rigs. I have since sold the TS830S and in the process of selling the FT897. I have since gotten Worked All States 2 more times over with my K2. My K2 does have most of the bells and whistles - SSB, KAF2, KPA100, NB, SSB, KAT2 but is mostly operated QRP - 95% except for the few times when I work DX contests. I have since reached DXCC both CW and Mixed Mode and the K2 was the rig I did it with. Some say the K3 sounds better on phone. The K2 is the most intuitive radio I have ever owned. The K3 is a better contesting rig - no arguments there. It all depends on what you want to spend your time in the hobby. You can do well in SKCC and NAQCC sprints with a K2 or K2/100. As a top line contester with the skills it carries - the K3 is a better choice. I will probably never part with my K2. If I had a limited budget and want a barefoot rig (100 watts) - I would opt for a K2/100. I can swap out the PA deck for Field Day QRP in 5 minutes. My 2 cents Ariel NY4G Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 12:41:09 -0400 From: lcher...@gmail.com To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
I agree with Keith's comments, but I'll contribute my two cents' as well. My background, such as it is -- I got my ticket about 20 months ago, spent 4 months just on 2 meters, and got my K3 a year after I got on HF. That experience leads me to point out four things: 1. Used rigs are widely available, and rigs can be resold. While it might slow down the process, you can get a starter rig, and then resell it later to help finance the purchase of a K3. 2. Several months on a starter rig taught me that the things I actually enjoyed and spent time pursuing on the air were different than what I might have expected before getting on HF. Also learning to use working through the quirks of my starter rig I learned a few things...and that in turn is what lead me to seek out a K3, and to make more informed decisions on how I might want it equipped. 3. As an alternative to getting a starter rig, you might look around to see if there is a club station available in your area to operate. You get experience and fun while you save up to set up your own station. 4. I do not want to discourage you from considering an Elecraft, but if money is tight, remember that antennas are the most important part of your station. I love my K3, but I would have had no second-thoughts about postponing my transceiver upgrade if there were any way I could have put up a beam in a spouse-tolerated manner. There's nothing wrong with cheap wire antennas; but if you have space and approval from the spouse and your town, invest in good antennas before worrying about picking the perfect rig. -- Michael D. Adams (AB1OD) Poquonock, Connecticut | m...@ab1od.org On Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 2:26 PM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote: Lee, I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for cheap and save up for the K3. Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun. A QRP rig could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to get on the air. You should be able to get something going as you save for the K3. Good luck! Keith AG6AZ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Rather than a traditional G5RV antenna, you might want to look at a ZS6BKW, which is an updated version of the G5RV optimised using computer modelling techniques that were not available when the G5RV was first designed: http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/ZS6BKW.pdf 73, Matt VK2ACL On 09/08/2012, at 5:42 AM, Dick, K2ZR k...@arrl.net wrote: Lee, I'm with Keith's immediate solution. Waiting a year or two to get on the HF is a long time. There are plenty of seasoned hams with HF gear collecting dust that'll get you on the HF bands. In my area it is not uncommon to get a loaner HF rig or one at a very reasonable price. You'll be On The Air. One of the local fellows I've been Elmering borrowed an IC-745 that was collecting dust. He did buy it a month or so later at a very reasonable price. It has been a year since he's had the IC-745 and he's come a long way from August 2011. He's become quite proficient on CW, worked WAS, has 54 DXCC entities under his belt more! S, why wait! Get a loaner, put up a G5RV wire antenna, drive in a ground rod, connect it up to your radio and get on the air. You can find information on a G5RV all over the net. If you must have 2 meter mobile, find yourself a used piece of gear for $100. You should be able to find a FT-1802M for that. It's reliable and easy to use. Four years ago I bought one new for $139.00. There are also other pieces of 2M mobile gear out there that won't break your bank. When the time comes and you're ready to spend bigger dollars, buy the K3 or K2; both are excellent pieces of gear. They were both characterized beautifully in the email that was sent to you by Fred Jensen, K6DGW. 73, Dick, K2ZR K2 #6557 now a K2/100 w/KAT100-1 (Thanks Vic) ICOM IC-765( Oldie but Goodie HF Rig ) Yaesu FT-900AT ( Use it for HF mobile often ) ARRL OO ARRL WNY ASM FOC CWops Western NY DX Association Cold Brook Contest Club Western NY Contest Club QRPARCI #957 Pounding Brass Since March 19th,1962 Keith Heimbold wrote: Lee, I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for cheap and save up for the K3. Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun. A QRP rig could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to get on the air. You should be able to get something going as you save for the K3. Good luck! Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Aug 8, 2012, at 9:41 AM, Lee Herbst lcher...@gmail.com wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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 __ 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:
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Why not a KX3? Buy first the simple version, get on the air sooner, and then add to it little by little. If you decide to sell later you will have 100s of buyers! It is not a K3 but it is budget~friendly. . Enviado desde mi oficina móvil BlackBerry® de Telcel -Original Message- From: Lee Herbst lcher...@gmail.com Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 12:41:09 To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Lee Herbst - AK4WN Give God your best and let Him do the rest - Facing the Giants __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Lee... Welcome to the hobby and to Elecraft. Several years ago I assembled K2 # 5957 and immediately added the SSB, noise blanker, DSP and 100W modules. This past spring I put together K3 #6232 with the 100W module and three additional filters. I chase DX, operate contests [casually], and rag chew, just about all on CW. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the K3 is the better radio. That said, what's really amazing is that the K2 is so close to the K3. My K2 was the station radio from the moment it lit up. I never felt limited by any aspect of the radio, and the K2's mojo can't be questioned. Also, knowing that you've built it will be just about enough satisfaction all by itself. Trust us on this point! It performed flawlessly in all aspects of operating and was/is far and away better than its two predecessors. I still have it, won't sell it, and have all sorts of plans for its future use. The K3 is just superb in all aspects. It has completely satisfied any curiosity that I had about high end radios. At my age I don't plan on buying another rig this time around. So, either one will be a treasure. The suggestion to get a second hand rig at an easy price or on loan makes good sense. Get a loaner, get your feet wet, and then make a more informed decision based on your own experience. Any rig will do for this phase of your ham radio education. You may not be able to get a K3 loaner, but with average luck you may be able to get your hands on a K2 and try it out. Experience is the best teacher [trite yet true]. There is no correct path through/up the ham radio hobby. Every ham's story has unique chapters mostly unlike anyone else's. Either of these two Elecraft radios will be fun and satisfying in its own way. Get started and one or the other will find its way on to the table and into your heart. ...robert On 8/8/2012 17:41, Lee Herbst wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net Syracuse, New York, USA __ 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] K2 vs K3
Hello Robert, I really like your idea of getting a K2 from the used market. For a new purchase, after taking into account the options, K3 seems more value for money. Perhaps, I was a K2 builder in the past. I have no worry about buying an used K2. Due to its kit nature, problems (if any) can be solved on-site without sending back the radio to Elecraft. In fact, after departing my K2 for some years, I recently acquired an old K2 at a very reasonable price. I shall soon do all the update modifications for that old K2. I am still fond of some soldering work. TNX 73, Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人︰ Robert G. Strickland rc...@verizon.net 收件人︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期︰ 2012年08月9日 (週四) 10:40 AM 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 Lee... Welcome to the hobby and to Elecraft. Several years ago I assembled K2 # 5957 and immediately added the SSB, noise blanker, DSP and 100W modules. This past spring I put together K3 #6232 with the 100W module and three additional filters. I chase DX, operate contests [casually], and rag chew, just about all on CW. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the K3 is the better radio. That said, what's really amazing is that the K2 is so close to the K3. My K2 was the station radio from the moment it lit up. I never felt limited by any aspect of the radio, and the K2's mojo can't be questioned. Also, knowing that you've built it will be just about enough satisfaction all by itself. Trust us on this point! It performed flawlessly in all aspects of operating and was/is far and away better than its two predecessors. I still have it, won't sell it, and have all sorts of plans for its future use. The K3 is just superb in all aspects. It has completely satisfied any curiosity that I had about high end radios. At my age I don't plan on buying another rig this time around. So, either one will be a treasure. The suggestion to get a second hand rig at an easy price or on loan makes good sense. Get a loaner, get your feet wet, and then make a more informed decision based on your own experience. Any rig will do for this phase of your ham radio education. You may not be able to get a K3 loaner, but with average luck you may be able to get your hands on a K2 and try it out. Experience is the best teacher [trite yet true]. There is no correct path through/up the ham radio hobby. Every ham's story has unique chapters mostly unlike anyone else's. Either of these two Elecraft radios will be fun and satisfying in its own way. Get started and one or the other will find its way on to the table and into your heart. ...robert On 8/8/2012 17:41, Lee Herbst wrote: My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started. Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys. However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get, it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be able to afford to replace it. I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3. So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most welcome. 73, -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net Syracuse, New York, USA __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
Hi Bert, I have both the K2 and K3. I also operate almost 100% CW and in a casual manner. I don't contest but, I work a lot of QRP. I had the same question before I bought the K3. So, to answer your question based on casual operating, I would say that there is little difference. I seem to able to hear weak signals just as well with the K2 using it's filters and the audio DSP filter. Gary, N7HTS On Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:11:52 -0500 Bert Craig wa...@arrl.net wrote: I'm contemplating replacing my K2/100's desktop companion, a Ten-Rec Jupiter, with a K3/100. I operate 100% casual CW. Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI ...and all the pieces matter. -- Det. Lester Freamon, BPD Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone __ 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
[Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
I'm contemplating replacing my K2/100's desktop companion, a Ten-Rec Jupiter, with a K3/100. I operate 100% casual CW. Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI ...and all the pieces matter. -- Det. Lester Freamon, BPD Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Bert - There probably are some people, but if so they have never operated a K3. I have had a K2 as well as my K3 and in my opinion there are only 3 advantage of the K2, size, weight, and current drain. And the first two are only advantages if you are considering portable operation. As far as performance, the K3 wins in every category I can think of. But what do you mean by better? Rick K2XT __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
Bert The specs say it all. The K2 is no slouch compared to the K3 in terms of MDS (Minimum discernable signal), BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range) and such. The K3 begins to have an edge in terms of IMD (intermodulation distortion) and phase noise. In that sense I believe the K3 is a better contesting rig specially when you add the bells and whistles. There are other advantages to a K2 - such as current draw - as low as 200mA versus the K3's 800mA which makes it better for portable ops using batteries - better at conserving energy and it is much smaller - even as a K2/100. Plus you have the bragging right of having almost as good a receiver as a K3 which you soldered together. See the ARRL and Sherwood specs on the Elecraft page. Ariel NY4G Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:11:52 -0500 From: wa...@arrl.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr I'm contemplating replacing my K2/100's desktop companion, a Ten-Rec Jupiter, with a K3/100. I operate 100% casual CW. Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI ...and all the pieces matter. -- Det. Lester Freamon, BPD Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
Hi Rick, By better, I mean very quiet receive that's pleasing to the ear (Subjective, I know.) That can dig the weakest dige out from the noise floor. My unit is strictly a desktop rig, no portable operation. Tnx for the reply. 73, Bert ...and all the pieces matter. -- Det. Lester Freamon, BPD Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone - Reply message - From: Rick Stealey rstea...@hotmail.com To: wa...@arrl.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr Date: Mon, Feb 20, 2012 06:21 Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Bert - There probably are some people, but if so they have never operated a K3. I have had a K2 as well as my K3 and in my opinion there are only 3 advantage of the K2, size, weight, and current drain. And the first two are only advantages if you are considering portable operation. As far as performance, the K3 wins in every category I can think of. But what do you mean by better? Rick K2XT __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr
Bert - From a purely technical / functional standpoint (i.e. numbers), and aside from current drain and bells/whistles, the K3's receiver has the edge, and I think most would agree. The K2's receiver is superb, and I occasionally try to make it my only rig by putting the K3 aside for a few days at a time, as I prefer the K2 for its analog signal path, size, current drain, simplicity, fewer bells/whistles, through-hole design, etc. I usually last only about a day, because for some reason I prefer the sound of the K3's receiver - it just sounds smoother, more refined, whatever that means. This could be influenced by user interface, controls, display, for all I know. Like you, I operate 100% casual CW (and an occasional QRP sprint) and it took me a while to hear the differences between the two receivers. A contester or DXer might hear the differences faster. Bottom line - yes I think the K3 receiver has the edge, but to a casual op, the differences might not jump out at you, but after a while, you might find yourself preferring it. Everything in life's a tradeoff - the K2 still wins for a lot of other reasons (see above) and its receiver is right up there among the best. I find the advantage of the K3's receiver to be not so much in the sensitivity, but in the selectivity, noise reduction and what you can do with the DSP. There's an op in my area who enjoys working DX and uses only a K2 at 5 watts to do it, and very successfully - after spending an afternoon in his shack watching and learning, I saw he could do more with a K2 at 5 W than I'll ever do with a K3 at 100. It was a humble reminder that it's more about the op, patience, persistence and the antenna. Of course you can do that too with the K3. --Andrew, NV1B On Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 5:11 AM, Bert Craig wa...@arrl.net wrote: ... Does anybody feel that the K2's rcvr is equal to or better than that of the K3, additional bells and whistles notwithstanding? Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
I'm wondering if we took a ham into a room, blindfolded, sat him or her down if front of a K2 and K3, didn't let them touch either one, if he or she could tell which is the K2 and K3? I would have to be someone that doesn't have any experience with either one. I wonder which one would win based on sound alone. Also, they would have to use headphones rather than the internal speakers. Gary, N7HTS On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:03:21 -0700 Darwin, Keith keith.dar...@goodrich.com wrote: As much as I love my K3, I'll admit that the K2 sounded better. The difference wasn't big and I may be off-base, having not done a direct A/B comparison, but I think the K2, with its simpler RX architecture, has a smoother sound than the K3. Not enough for me to stay with the K2, but enough that it can be noticed. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Gary and All, Well, interesting conjecture, but nowhere close to a valid test of either rig. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Gary D Krause n7...@bresnan.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 8:27 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ? I'm wondering if we took a ham into a room, blindfolded, sat him or her down if front of a K2 and K3, didn't let them touch either one, if he or she could tell which is the K2 and K3? I would have to be someone that doesn't have any experience with either one. I wonder which one would win based on sound alone. Also, they would have to use headphones rather than the internal speakers. Gary, N7HTS On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:03:21 -0700 Darwin, Keith keith.dar...@goodrich.com wrote: As much as I love my K3, I'll admit that the K2 sounded better. The difference wasn't big and I may be off-base, having not done a direct A/B comparison, but I think the K2, with its simpler RX architecture, has a smoother sound than the K3. Not enough for me to stay with the K2, but enough that it can be noticed. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
John Jeffers wrote: Hi I looked through the Archives and FAQ's and see the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. With a little less features and not all in one processor. It uses pic 18C452 instead of 18F452 etc so you can't flash upgrade it as easily. (I program Linux systems and PIC systems.) But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John P.S. K1's sell for more assembled on Ebay than Kits So the issues of losing money on the rig appear to not be true. I have a K2, and went for the K3 because of its much improved support for digimodes (which were really an afterthought on the K2) and FM (which isn't catered for at all.) The fact that the currency exchange rates were favourable at the time I ordered it, and the credit crunch hadn't happened, had a bearing on it too. I think the K2 and K3 are like apples and oranges. The K2 is a more basic radio with an emphasis on portability (small size, light weight, low current consumption, facility for internal battery.) Plus it has the unique benefit that you get to build it. The K3 is clearly designed to be more of a high end desktop radio for those who want the ultimate in receiver performance. And even if you'd prefer to build it, you only get to assemble it. If you aren't sure you need the K3 then in my opinion you probably don't. I don't chase DX, I only contest casually, and I don't really need a high end radio. If Elecraft had brought out a K2 Mk II with 1Hz VFO resolution and dedicated input/outputs for digi modes it would probably have done the job for me, even without FM. So your decision will surely depend on whether there are things you want to do that the K2 can't do. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shackhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 http://www.wota.org.uk/ Wainwrights On The Air -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2-vs-K3---tp2464089p2466185.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
And they sold quickly from the beginning. My K2, purchased in April of 2000, is S/N 1289. At that time they had a 30-day order backlog. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Bob's comment is correct. I was at that meeting also, and was absolutely blown away by the performance in such a small prototype package. Milt, N5IA On Mar 11, 2009, at 4:53 PM, K2ZLS wrote: Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. More like 10+ years. I recall seeing Eric's presentation on the K2 at the 1999 Cactus Intertie meeting in Tucson. Bob, N7XY __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K2 vs. K3
Hi John, I noticed your inquiry on the Elecraft reflector this AM. I own both a K2/100 and a K3/100. I have built three K2's and my K3/100. Depending on your interests the K3 is superior, especially the receiver. The k2 was primarily designed as a CW rig and lacks in SSB output. The VOX perpormance is inadequate. Don't however get me wrong the K2 is an excellent product provided it is assembled properly. It is very easily put together and you will obtain excellent help, if needed, from Elecraft or the many responders to the reflector. The K3 is the best transceiver available today' bar none. There is nothing that it cannot do. Buy the kit version, save $300. I live in Wellesley, a small town west of Kitchener/Waterloo. Feel free to e-mail or call me if I can help in your descision. 73, Bob VE3XM 519 656-9940 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
-Original Message- ... the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John Absolutely, yes, there are many good reasons to go K3 over K2. I had a K2 and really liked it but wished it did some things better. The K2 s-meter left me rather unimpressed. CW sidetone quality was good but not great. I used an external AF filter to clean it up. The K2 display didn't give all that much information. The fan on the K2/100 is very noisy. I used an external fan to keep the rig cool so the internal fan would not turn on. The K2's SSB performance was good but no better. I run CW only so I didn't care, however. I upgraded to a K3/10 and absolutely love it. CW sidetone is very sweet. AGC performance is better (adjustable). The S-meter is better. Display is better. I have 2 key inputs (one for paddles one for manual key) instead of just one. The rig feels like a real rig rather than a very nice QRP rig. When you do your price comparison, make sure you're comparing equivalent rigs. The K3 comes with built-in DSP and does not need AF filtering. With the K2 you have to add the DSP or AF as an option. K3 covers 160 meters - optional in the K2. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Another thing you need to watch is that many features that are standard on the K3 are options on the K2. You can double the price of the basic kit really quick with the options, so be sure to think about the options that you want or need before you decide. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Thu, 3/12/09, Darwin, Keith keith.dar...@goodrich.com wrote: From: Darwin, Keith keith.dar...@goodrich.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ? To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:03 AM -Original Message- ... the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John i __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
yes guys, the K3 is a great rigg, with all the features we knew from oher great riggs. But the K2 is classic and puristic. It is the same when you compare motorbikes: the K3 is like a Honda Goldwing and the K2 is like a older Harley. I for myself prefer riding a old Harley. I built 4 K2's and sold them all to get a K3. Now i have a K3 but i missed adjusting and playing with the K2. So i bought a used K2 and i'am happy now that a K2 is back in my home. Michael, DC0ZO __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
As much as I love my K3, I'll admit that the K2 sounded better. The difference wasn't big and I may be off-base, having not done a direct A/B comparison, but I think the K2, with its simpler RX architecture, has a smoother sound than the K3. Not enough for me to stay with the K2, but enough that it can be noticed. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
John and other Elecrafters: I am an extremely happy K2 owner. I have operated a K3 and I intend to get one someday, but I am not in a particular hurry. In the interest of full disclosure, I am strictly a CW guy, and any voice quality advantages that K3 might have over the K2 are lost on me. As other posters have mentioned, the K3 has many features that all work somewhat better than the K2. To the question of whether or not there is any good reason to go to the K3, there is one good basic engineering reason. It has better dynamic range. On the weak signal end, the K3 local oscillator has lower phase noise than the K2. That means that in low ambient noise situations such as 10 or 6 meters, the K3 will hear weak signals that the K2 does not hear. On the strong signal end, the K3 has a saturation level as good as (or marginally better than) the rigs that sell for $10K+. That is significant in low band DXing and contesting; when you're trying to hear that weak signal on 80 meters for that rare multiplier and W5 Texas Kilowatt fires up the big rig a few 10s of KHz down the band from where you're listening, the K3 is much less likely than the K2 to be desensed (meaning that your ability to copy the rare multiplier suddenly vanishes whether or not you can actually hear the interfering signal) by his (somehow, very few of these honking big signals are transmitted by women) booming signal. Anyway, what you're paying the big bucks for is dynamic range. If you're interested in copying extremely weak signals (in the presence of large but undesired signals) in either the high bands or low bands, then the added dynamic range of the K3 is well worth the $3400 (or so) for a fully tricked out K3. If you mostly operate in a less demanding setting the added dynamic range might not be worth the extra cost. Some posters have noted that the K3 is designed to be the ultimate contest rig. Compare it to car racing. Race cars cost more than cars for highway driving. Unless you actually plan to race it, do you need to buy one? 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK The K2 was the former one. But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
I think my K2 is more like a Spanish trials bike. Well balanced, nimble, and plenty of torque! Kevin. KD5ONS Bultaco, Montessa, or Ossa. -Original Message- From: Michael van Hauten vanhau...@t-online.de Sent: Mar 12, 2009 3:09 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net, @unspecified-domain Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ? yes guys, the K3 is a great rigg, with all the features we knew from oher great riggs. But the K2 is classic and puristic. It is the same when you compare motorbikes: the K3 is like a Honda Goldwing and the K2 is like a older Harley. I for myself prefer riding a old Harley. I built 4 K2's and sold them all to get a K3. Now i have a K3 but i missed adjusting and playing with the K2. So i bought a used K2 and i'am happy now that a K2 is back in my home. Michael, DC0ZO __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
So for the discussion about K2 vs K3, I don't know much about either but am preparing to purchase. Is the K3 portable to any degree? One of the things that attracted me to the K2 was not only building it but the fact that at least at low power, it was very portable. Thanks in advance! -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:29 AM To: 'elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 And they sold quickly from the beginning. My K2, purchased in April of 2000, is S/N 1289. At that time they had a 30-day order backlog. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Bob's comment is correct. I was at that meeting also, and was absolutely blown away by the performance in such a small prototype package. Milt, N5IA On Mar 11, 2009, at 4:53 PM, K2ZLS wrote: Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. More like 10+ years. I recall seeing Eric's presentation on the K2 at the 1999 Cactus Intertie meeting in Tucson. Bob, N7XY __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Keith, I can make my K3 sound just the way I want buy adjusting the equalizer. I use the same outboard speaker for both K's. Bill -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Darwin, Keith Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:03 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ? As much as I love my K3, I'll admit that the K2 sounded better. The difference wasn't big and I may be off-base, having not done a direct A/B comparison, but I think the K2, with its simpler RX architecture, has a smoother sound than the K3. Not enough for me to stay with the K2, but enough that it can be noticed. - Keith N1AS - - K3 711 - __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
John The K3 is a very portable QRP radio. I've used it the past two Field Days with battery power and my solar panels to keep the batteries up. Great field radio. No feel for the 100w unit on batteries though. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: John Jolley jjol...@columbus.rr.com To: 'elecraft List' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 4:17 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 So for the discussion about K2 vs K3, I don't know much about either but am preparing to purchase. Is the K3 portable to any degree? One of the things that attracted me to the K2 was not only building it but the fact that at least at low power, it was very portable. Thanks in advance! -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:29 AM To: 'elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 And they sold quickly from the beginning. My K2, purchased in April of 2000, is S/N 1289. At that time they had a 30-day order backlog. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Bob's comment is correct. I was at that meeting also, and was absolutely blown away by the performance in such a small prototype package. Milt, N5IA On Mar 11, 2009, at 4:53 PM, K2ZLS wrote: Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. More like 10+ years. I recall seeing Eric's presentation on the K2 at the 1999 Cactus Intertie meeting in Tucson. Bob, N7XY __ 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 __ 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] K2 vs K3 ?
The difference in price between a fully equipped K2 at $1230 and a bare bones K3 at $1400 is $170, or slightly more than 10%. For that extra $170 you get a better integrated rig, six meters, FM, 20 dB better dynamic range, and a host of other features typical of top of the line rigs. If you add the 6M transverter to the K2 to bring 6M capability to the K2, the price of the K2/XV50 combination is actually higher. The base K-2 is a very nice reasonably priced CW only rig for either base or portable operation. When you add in SSB, computer I/o interface, 160M, 60M/transverter interface, noise blanker, and the DSP filter, it seems like less of a good deal, especially when compared to the K3. So if you want a barebones K2, that is a good deal. If you want a full featured rig, you are better off with the K3. The K2 is better than the K3 in two respects, it is smaller and it draws less current. For most people, the K3 is a much better deal than the K2. - Duffey -- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
I must agree with Jim Duffey's assessment. The K2 is a great transceiver, but when all the options are added to make it an all band 160m through 10 meter transceiver with SSB and noise blanker and audio DSP, the K3 with its built-in 160 meter through 6 meter coverage, built-in IF DSP which allows not only SSB but FM and AM modes too, the small price differential makes the K3 a bargain priced transceiver. A basic K3/10 will do all that a K2/10 will do and more. One does not need to fill all the filter slots, nor add all the options to have a great performing transceiver, so the price comparison should be between a basic K3 and a K2 with the K160RX, KNB2, KSB2 and KDSP2 options - there is not much of a difference. Of course, the K2 is built from parts soldered in by the builder while the K3 is a plug-together kit. Some may define a hand-built K2 as being more personal and therefore having more value than a plug-together K3 kit, and who am I to argue with that perspective, it is a thrill to see something you assembled from small bits and pieces come to life. Both the K2 and the K3 have their great points, but if you are after the best performance for the dollar, the basic K3 is IMHO the best deal on the ham market today. The K2 is also a bargain if one is willing to give up some of the bands and features that come 'stock' with the basic K3, and for portable QRP operation, the K2 has less current draw which leads to more operating time on a battery. 73, Don W3FPR James Duffey wrote: The difference in price between a fully equipped K2 at $1230 and a bare bones K3 at $1400 is $170, or slightly more than 10%. For that extra $170 you get a better integrated rig, six meters, FM, 20 dB better dynamic range, and a host of other features typical of top of the line rigs. If you add the 6M transverter to the K2 to bring 6M capability to the K2, the price of the K2/XV50 combination is actually higher. The base K-2 is a very nice reasonably priced CW only rig for either base or portable operation. When you add in SSB, computer I/o interface, 160M, 60M/transverter interface, noise blanker, and the DSP filter, it seems like less of a good deal, especially when compared to the K3. So if you want a barebones K2, that is a good deal. If you want a full featured rig, you are better off with the K3. The K2 is better than the K3 in two respects, it is smaller and it draws less current. For most people, the K3 is a much better deal than the K2. - Duffey -- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Don Wilhelm wrote: I must agree with Jim Duffey's assessment. The K2 is a great transceiver, but when all the options are added to make it an all band 160m through 10 meter transceiver with SSB and noise blanker and audio DSP, the K3 with its built-in 160 meter through 6 meter coverage, built-in IF DSP which allows not only SSB but FM and AM modes too, the small price differential makes the K3 a bargain priced transceiver. While I have NO argument with this reasoning, I chose to build the K2 because I could afford it as a basic kit. And I have every reason to think that I'll be able to afford to add about one of the listed options a month. This I will be able to do without putting anything on my already overstressed credit cards. Were I to try to buy a K3 it would be many months before the cash would be in hand. [ The budget committee, KB4WYR, is fully behind this project as well. And would lament having to wait for a K3.] The K2 is expected to be one of the building blocks for our VHF/UHF station, with a K3 coming along as it can. I'm thinking that this combination will give us a good high end weak signal station for 50 mhz and up. 73 de KD0R #6708 in build __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
The K3 draws about 1 amp with one receiver, about an amp and one half with two receivers. It draws about 20 amps transmitting 100 watts, 15 amps at 50 watts, 11 amps at 25 watts, and about 3.5 amps at 5 watts. It is very easy to set the power that you want so you don't spend any more battery than you need to. The above readings were taken with the power supply on about 13.8 volts. It weighs about 8 pounds. It is very portable in my opinion, but you might prefer a KX-1 if you are going to hike the Appalachian Trail with your transceiver and a battery. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Thu, 3/12/09, John Jolley jjol...@columbus.rr.com wrote: From: John Jolley jjol...@columbus.rr.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 To: 'elecraft List' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 4:17 PM So for the discussion about K2 vs K3, I don't know much about either but am preparing to purchase. Is the K3 portable to any degree? One of the things that attracted me to the K2 was not only building it but the fact that at least at low power, it was very portable. Thanks in advance! -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:29 AM To: 'elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 And they sold quickly from the beginning. My K2, purchased in April of 2000, is S/N 1289. At that time they had a 30-day order backlog. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Bob's comment is correct. I was at that meeting also, and was absolutely blown away by the performance in such a small prototype package. Milt, N5IA On Mar 11, 2009, at 4:53 PM, K2ZLS wrote: Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. More like 10+ years. I recall seeing Eric's presentation on the K2 at the 1999 Cactus Intertie meeting in Tucson. Bob, N7XY __ 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 __ 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] K2 vs K3 ?
Hi I looked through the Archives and FAQ's and see the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. With a little less features and not all in one processor. It uses pic 18C452 instead of 18F452 etc so you can't flash upgrade it as easily. (I program Linux systems and PIC systems.) But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John P.S. K1's sell for more assembled on Ebay than Kits So the issues of losing money on the rig appear to not be true. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Yes, It's called features and you get what you pay for. I Have both and they are great radios. Let your budget help you decide. 73, Bill K9YEQ K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Jeffers Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:02 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ? Hi I looked through the Archives and FAQ's and see the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. With a little less features and not all in one processor. It uses pic 18C452 instead of 18F452 etc so you can't flash upgrade it as easily. (I program Linux systems and PIC systems.) But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John P.S. K1's sell for more assembled on Ebay than Kits So the issues of losing money on the rig appear to not be true. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
You should get MANY interesting responses to your query! I for one have found the K3 receiver to be far and above better than the K2, although my time with the K2 was limited to one weekend. As well, if SSB is a mode you enjoy, in the K2 that is an add-on and a bit dicier than the smooth, already there features of the K3! That said, if I had the time and money, I would build a K2 as a little brother to my K3. I will be watching this thread with interest... cleve -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K2-vs-K3---tp2464089p2464189.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ 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] K2 vs K3
Hi John, Your post tells a lot about you. The first part is strong in EE and Programming experience. The last sentence says that you are a little lite in Ham experience. Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. You really need to expand your horizons in Ham Radio. Buy the K3. Its a no-brainer. There are many, many horizons that you will never see if you limit yourself to K2. There are Contests you will need a second receiver, DVR for recording and playback, there is UHF and VHF 6 meters, there is an alphabet soup of DATA modes for which the K3 excels at and SDR with upgrades that change almost weekly. I'm sure there are many experiences that a LOT of us have yet to RTFM to find out about. There is a saying here in NEW YORK that goes, You can't win it if your not in it. 73's and enjoy the K3 experience. Tony K2ZLS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Here's my perspective from not owning any Elecraft radio until ~ a month ago. I have read about the K2 for many years and always wanted one. I heard them on the air and heard others comments about owning one. I have never owned a new rig, only bought repair-ables and repaired them to use. So along comes the opportunity to buy a Elecraft radio at the Orlando hamfest. The XYL asks me which one do I want to order. I was thinking, get a decent radio, yet keep the costs reasonable. My decision was to order the K2 with some nice features. I couldn't justify ordering the K3, just because it costs so much more than the K2. That's my only reason, economics. I'm retired and the XYL still works so I hate to spend the funds she earns. My next Elecraft radio will be a loaded K1 for portable operating. The K2 is too nice to bring outside in my opinion. Mike WE0H K2 S/N 6698 John said: Hi I looked through the Archives and FAQ's and see the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features. The K2 was the former one. With a little less features and not all in one processor. It uses pic 18C452 instead of 18F452 etc so you can't flash upgrade it as easily. (I program Linux systems and PIC systems.) But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit and I am an electrical engineer. Is there any good reason to go to the K3? VE3GYV John P.S. K1's sell for more assembled on Ebay than Kits So the issues of losing money on the rig appear to not be true. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Well, this is interesting! I'm agonizing over this very issue. I have K2 #337, built in late 1999, that has served me extremely well. I have always watched this reflector, so I was one of the first non-field test people to notice Wayne's announcement of the K3. Then I read every word about it, including the manuals, and saved my pennies (and quarters and dollars!) until I was able to order one last year, taking delivery of K3/10 #2006 in late October. I have been delighted with it, both performance wise and operationally. I've downloaded all the beta firmware releases and never had any issue with them that wasn't taken care of within about 24 hours of the beta release. I operated SSCW and then ARRL DX CW with the K3 and that's when I began to have some doubts about whether the K3 is for me or not. Running QRP during these contests with simple wire antennas, I found that I couldn't usually be heard through all the QRM by anybody who wasn't S8-9 at my QTH. That means that the outstanding features of the K3 receiver weren't doing me much good in those circumstances. In a more normal situation of working a weak station with little or no QRM, I believe the K2 does just as well as the K3 for me. So I've about decided that the K3 is just not a cost effective solution for my style of operating. I really love it, but I just can't justify keeping both it and my venerable K2! I'm seriously bonded with the K2, so I'm on the verge of offering my K3 for sale. But it hurts to even consider it :-( 73, Randy, KS4L __ 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] k2 vs k3
I find building the k2 from scratch VERY much fun, and would not want to miss out on it. It really is an amazing radio, the whole package. I enjoy building them so much I built two so far, plus a K1. It does not have all the features some operators might want, but you build it, its small, and it works fantastic. The reward you get from operating something you built from a pile of parts is priceless. I don't really desire a K3 (yet). Brett N2DTS __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
My opinion, keep the K3 the K2. You may later on regret selling anything and then the money might not be there to build another one. Just put it on the shelf for now. Other options are the AN762 amp that FAR circuits sells a board for and eBay has 2SC2879 transistor's for it and they are dirt cheep. That'd be well over 100w output just idling. Communications Concepts sells the complete kit for it with the more expensive MRF transistors if you don't have a stash of components for it already. Mike WE0H Randy M wrote: Well, this is interesting! I'm agonizing over this very issue. I have K2 #337, built in late 1999, that has served me extremely well. I have always watched this reflector, so I was one of the first non-field test people to notice Wayne's announcement of the K3. Then I read every word about it, including the manuals, and saved my pennies (and quarters and dollars!) until I was able to order one last year, taking delivery of K3/10 #2006 in late October. I have been delighted with it, both performance wise and operationally. I've downloaded all the beta firmware releases and never had any issue with them that wasn't taken care of within about 24 hours of the beta release. I operated SSCW and then ARRL DX CW with the K3 and that's when I began to have some doubts about whether the K3 is for me or not. Running QRP during these contests with simple wire antennas, I found that I couldn't usually be heard through all the QRM by anybody who wasn't S8-9 at my QTH. That means that the outstanding features of the K3 receiver weren't doing me much good in those circumstances. In a more normal situation of working a weak station with little or no QRM, I believe the K2 does just as well as the K3 for me. So I've about decided that the K3 is just not a cost effective solution for my style of operating. I really love it, but I just can't justify keeping both it and my venerable K2! I'm seriously bonded with the K2, so I'm on the verge of offering my K3 for sale. But it hurts to even consider it :-( 73, Randy, KS4L __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?
Actually Randy, all you have discovered... is that there are a lot of folks out there, that could benefit from the addition of a K3 in their shack, so they would be able to hear as well as you do. Simple, and factual. Do you need to send your K2 or K3 away because they can't hear? Likely not. Do they need to improve thier stations? Yep. Now, if you want to loan your K3 off, for the time being, I'd be happy to borrow it for a bit... *G* But that way, you could have it back when you decide that you want it back... *G* --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy _ Windows Live™: Life without walls. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_032009 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
Bob's comment is correct. I was at that meeting also, and was absolutely blown away by the performance in such a small prototype package. Milt, N5IA - Original Message - From: Bob Nielsen n...@clearwire.net To: elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:28 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 On Mar 11, 2009, at 4:53 PM, K2ZLS wrote: Many of us on the Elecraft Reflector were raised on the K2. I guess its been about 8 years in development. More like 10+ years. I recall seeing Eric's presentation on the K2 at the 1999 Cactus Intertie meeting in Tucson. Bob, N7XY __ 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] K2 vs K3
I have adjusted the RX EQ to alter the sound of the audio and in particular when using the 1.0Khz filter. I have now achieved a somewhat rich tone (to my poor old ears) that is pleasant to listen too. I had no idea just how good I could make it when using the 1.0Khz filter on ssb when I started but it sounds pretty good to me. Anyway, I was surprised just how nice it sounded compared to my K3. The audio seems softer and warmer somehow. Same bandwidth (400Hz), same phones. The K3 background noise just sounded harder, more harsh. I've had this feeling from day one. cheers, Gary VK4WT...#679 ___ 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] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
A comparison of the kit K2 vs the modular K3 has previously been made: http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2007-05/msg00837.html If you add on the cost of a builder, shipping from the builder back to you, then you have to REALLY want a K2 to cost-justify getting one now. Did Elecraft unintentionally put the K2 semi-official builders out to pasture? Very happy with my K2; anxiously awaiting my K3 (and even more anxiously awaiting the receiver specs for the K3 which, I hope, will precede the arrival of my K3!). de Doug KR2Q ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
Welcome to the economics of SMT: tape and reel vs poly bags for kits, relentless and unerring automated assembly and volume economics benefits of the basic parts. When added to the technical benefits of improved parasitics and thermals it puts thruhole on the endangered species list. 73 jim ab3cv ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: Did Elecraft unintentionally put the K2 semi-official builders out to pasture? Doug, That may likely be true that a fair price to build the K2 will cast a shadow on the K3 kit price. Comparisons are being made between an assembled K2 and the K3 kit price. When you use the assembled K3 prices, there is still room for the lower priced K2. the kit to assembled differential on the K3 adds $200 or more depending on the power level, sub-receiver, etc. The K2 is still more modular than the K3, so in cases where the buyer wants a basic QRP K2 with no options, it may be cost effective for some. 73, Don W3FPR ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
On 7/1/07, Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Comparisons are being made between an assembled K2 and the K3 kit price. When you use the assembled K3 prices, there is still room for the lower priced K2. the kit to assembled differential on the K3 adds $200 or more depending on the power level, sub-receiver, etc. The K2 is still more modular than the K3, so in cases where the buyer wants a basic QRP K2 with no options, it may be cost effective for some. I don't think price enters into it if you want the fun of building your radio. I seem to remember that Heathkit radios were more expensive than ready built Japanese gear. Perhaps that's why they went out of business, but it wouldn't have stopped me buying one if I'd had the money back in thise days. -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? www.Ham-Directory.com: the best ham resources on the net ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
I doubt if it is SMT devices and auto-board stuffers that made the economy of K3 what it is. Electronic integration marches on. Remember the Collins 75A4, or Heath Marauder? Now it is possible to put just about everything, save the large L's, into siicon. I suspect one bright engineer on the Elecraft staff - could layout 5 or 6 MOSIS silicon circuits (ala USC/ISIS) - to cover a large percentage of a K3, add in a LSI Logic device for the DSP, and perhaps 1 Analog Devices linear device - for the K4 control logic - and the whole K4 could be integrated into just the Control/User Panel. Maybe pack it all - into the ATU. I remember, not too many years ago (88), having a meeting in a room at Bell Lab's Allentown facility (or was it NJ) - and behind me on the wall of that lab - which had a brass plaque which read ... in this lab in 1953 (or whatever the correct year was), the first transistor IC was invented. Wow - time marches on! I saw it again, when I peeked inside a 2007 IC-706MKIIG at the top board - and saw literally 100's and 100's of SMT devices, on 1 board. And we are seeing it again, in the soon to be shipped K3. Wow - can't wait. de, Fred N3CSY Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
Most of the posts, so far, have dealt with the K2/K3 cost differential on a basis of fun to build and production manufacturing economics. In the SMT vs PTH/discreet component examples cited there was limited mention of the vastly expanded capabilities and somewhat improved performance - not to mention the many new options and programming features of the K3. Needless to say (and I believe Brian noted) the fact that the change to SMT was largely driven by the extreme addition of parts count to duplicate the process using PTH/discreet. Packaging such a system would be nightmarish and much more expensive. Considering the many anticipated advantages of the K3 over a K2, even a modest added cost would more than justify the purchase for an individual not strongly driven by the addictive scent of vaporized pine resin. It is also quite possible that the assembly of the K3 is within the capabilities of the prospective buyer, giving them the possibility of doing something more than opening a box and not quite as challenging as a K2. It may be suggested that VLSI/LSI designs could also reduce the parts count and simplify assembly. No doubt, but the economics of the design of the device and finding a manufacturer who would tool up and run the devices at an affordable level is highly unlikely at the quantities involved. That sort of setup usually requires 10s of thousands to even consider. BTDT. An example from industry involved a unit that is part of a military weapons system that ran into the 20,000 plus range of deliveries. Cost was substantial and the device ran on a single VLSI programmable device. After producing 10,000 units, it was decided to regress to a device that was two LSI OTS devices and some added discreets. The redesign of the PWB and changes in production tooling etc was far offset by the lower cost of the custom VLSI and reduced the price of the system to the customer (taxpayer) by 10% 73 Al WA6VNN ** See what's free at http://www.aol.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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
In a message dated 7/1/07 5:55:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I doubt if it is SMT devices and auto-board stuffers that made the economy of K3 what it is. I think it is. Electronic integration marches on. Remember the Collins 75A4, or Heath Marauder? Yes. They had several sources of cost: 1) Lots of small-run custom parts 2) Lots of expensive parts 3) Lots of assembly labor (75A-4) or lots of manual-writing labor (any Heath) Remember that both of those were designed, manufactured and sold long before CADD or desktop publishing were available. When a change was made, they *literally* went back to the drawing board. Now it is possible to put just about everything, save the large L's, into siicon. I don't think so. There's a lot of quartz in a K2 or K3. Lots of relays and fairly large capacitors, too. But even if almost all of a K3 could be put on silicon, that doesn't mean it's the best way to do the job. I suspect one bright engineer on the Elecraft staff - could layout 5 or 6 MOSIS silicon circuits (ala USC/ISIS) - to cover a large percentage of a K3, add in a LSI Logic device for the DSP, and perhaps 1 Analog Devices linear device - for the K4 control logic - and the whole K4 could be integrated into just the Control/User Panel. Maybe pack it all - into the ATU. Maybe. But there would be a lot of issues to deal with, such as coupling and isolation, high power RF, etc. The problem with custom parts is that for a small-run item like a ham rig, the economics may not be there, compared to using as many stock parts as possible. The 75A-4 and Marauder used a lot of custom parts because there was no other option back then. There's also the factor of how long we expect a system to last, and what we consider the ultimate failure mode and repairability. We hams tend to expect our rigs to last decades, not years, and we expect them to be repairable, not if it breaks after the warranty runs out, go buy another one. I remember, not too many years ago (88), having a meeting in a room at Bell Lab's Allentown facility (or was it NJ) - and behind me on the wall of that lab - which had a brass plaque which read ... in this lab in 1953 (or whatever the correct year was), the first transistor IC was invented. Wow - time marches on! 1959, IIRC. I saw it again, when I peeked inside a 2007 IC-706MKIIG at the top board - and saw literally 100's and 100's of SMT devices, on 1 board. And we are seeing it again, in the soon to be shipped K3. Wow - can't wait. One of the things that made Heathkit and other kit companies like Eico and EFJohnson was the economics of electronics manufacture. In the days of point-to-point wiring, the labor of assembling even a simple piece of electronics was a considerable part of the selling price. Heath etc. could offer a competitive price by eliminating that labor cost. That had to be balanced against the cost of writing the assembly manuals, and having to come up with designs that didn't need lots of test gear. Automated assembly largely eliminated that cost advantage for Heath. Elecraft's advantage so far has been the use of elegant design (hence the name) to minimize the number of custom parts used, and the overall number of parts used. Look at a basic K2 - it's a couple of small circuit boards in an ingenious cabinet, with almost no wires at all. The K3 is a somewhat new direction, in that the components are boards. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See what's free at http://www.aol.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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
remember, not too many years ago (88), having a meeting in a room at Bell Lab's Allentown facility (or was it NJ) - and behind me on the wall of that lab - which had a brass plaque which read ... in this lab in 1953 (or whatever the correct year was), the first transistor IC was invented. Wow - time marches on! 1959, IIRC. Actually, the transistor was born in the Labs in late 1947. It became available at an affordable price to kids like me (and grownups, too) by the early 1950s when Raytheon produced the CK722. I bought my first one at the tender age of nine to build transistor projects that appeared in articles in Popular Electronics and other magazines of the day. Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST
... which had a brass plaque which read ... in this lab in 1953 (or whatever the correct year was), the first transistor IC was invented. Wow - time marches on! 1959, IIRC. Actually, the transistor was born in the Labs in late 1947. It became available at an affordable price to kids like me (and grownups, too) by the early 1950s when Raytheon produced the CK722. I bought my first one at the tender age of nine to build transistor projects that appeared in articles in Popular Electronics and other magazines of the day. I hate having to correct my own email responses, but I missed an important detail in the original post: It refers to the first transistor IC. So the correction indicating 1959 is right. I recall a side trip tour of Bell Labs at Murray Hill in early 1961 when I was trying to decide where to go for an EE degree program. One of the labs we toured was involved in perfecting integrated circuit design and fabrication techniques, and we were told that they had been working on this project for few years. The primary goal of that particular project was to improve the high frequency performance of the devices. Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio
Hello Everyone, Like Ken, I too am puzzled over the insufficient-audio issue with the K2. FWIW both of my K2s (one with a QRP lid, the second with the KPA100 lid) produce way more audio than I find necessary for my needs. I typically run both rigs with the RF Gain fully CW and the Audio Gain at about the 10AM position. Use of the DSP filters in the QRO rig will sometimes require a bit more Audio Gain, but not much. I also seldom use headphones. Most of my QSOs are in the CW mode. I can't comment on the K3's audio. 73, Steve Banks K0PQ Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:10:30 To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio From the posts I've read in the past there would seem to be large differences in the amount of audio delivered by a K2. Perhaps those of you who service them or in some other way have exposure to multiple K2's can comment. Mine's speaker level ia completely adequate and can be turned up far beyond comfortable ... for me, anyway. Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio
I am new user of K2. Pretty recent serial number. 100 w version. I also find the radio has not enough audio gain. It is OK when I operate from my city shack but when I am in the country where level of QRM is really low then there are stations on 10 and 15 meters that are definitely copiable but not loud enough in the headphones even with AF and RF gain fully CW. I had to build external AF amp to rectify that problem. My several other radios ( Icoms) have plenty of AF in the same environment. I never turn AF on IC765 more then 12 hours CW. Another issue that I ran into is SWR meter diodes that get killed by static quite regularly. Again neither IC765 nor IC751A that I have never suffered from that using same antennas in the same shack. I wonder if other members of the reflector ever suffered from this issue. How did you cure it? Two more issues separate my K2 from ideal radio: No SSB monitor. I just cannot control what comes out of the external audio keyer. No RIT = 0 button which is great inconvenience in CW contests where a lot of people call off the freq. I have tried to use split mode and A=B button instead but the logic in the firmware is such that it does not allow such use. Just my impressions as a new user. 73, Igor UA9CDC Hello Everyone, Like Ken, I too am puzzled over the insufficient-audio issue with the K2. FWIW both of my K2s (one with a QRP lid, the second with the KPA100 lid) produce way more audio than I find necessary for my needs. I typically run both rigs with the RF Gain fully CW and the Audio Gain at about the 10AM position. Use of the DSP filters in the QRO rig will sometimes require a bit more Audio Gain, but not much. I also seldom use headphones. Most of my QSOs are in the CW mode. I can't comment on the K3's audio. 73, Steve Banks K0PQ Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:10:30 To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio From the posts I've read in the past there would seem to be large differences in the amount of audio delivered by a K2. Perhaps those of you who service them or in some other way have exposure to multiple K2's can comment. Mine's speaker level ia completely adequate and can be turned up far beyond comfortable ... for me, anyway. Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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 ___ 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] K2 vs K3 audio
From the posts I've read in the past there would seem to be large differences in the amount of audio delivered by a K2. Perhaps those of you who service them or in some other way have exposure to multiple K2's can comment. Mine's speaker level ia completely adequate and can be turned up far beyond comfortable ... for me, anyway. Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio
My K2 (#5945) has tons of audio, both in the headphones as well as in the speaker. My volume knob never gets above about 1/4-1/3 scale. Jeff N6GQ On 6/23/07, Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From the posts I've read in the past there would seem to be large differences in the amount of audio delivered by a K2. Perhaps those of you who service them or in some other way have exposure to multiple K2's can comment. Mine's speaker level ia completely adequate and can be turned up far beyond comfortable ... for me, anyway. Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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
