Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-24 Thread Al Lorona
> The K2 is somewhat of a spiritual event. There are many  > who are very attached to their K2's... because we built them,  > got familiar with them, used them in memorable situations,  > and became fondly attached.  So true, Robert! My K2 got soaked in a giant rainstorm in Virginia a few Field

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Ron Freeman
I really enjoy my K2/100. I use it weekly for CWT’s, MST’s & SST’s with N1MM+. I usually operate the tests barefoot but sometimes run a KPA1500 with the K2. The shift/width controls are not as versatile as my K3S but I don’t need em for the 1 hr CW tests. Computer control of the K2 and K3s

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Bert Craig
__ 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:

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Andrew Moore
> the K3 is a vastly superior radio Brian - if you had nickel for every time someone declared one rig is better than another without knowing your needs or offering reasons to back it up, you could buy both ;) As many will say, don't over think sensitivity. You'll probably find many other

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Robert Strickland via Elecraft
Brian... The K2 is somewhat of a spiritual event. There are many - me included - who are very attached to their K2's, not because the specs are amazing - many modern radios perform better - but because we built them, got familiar with them, used them in memorable situations, and became fondly

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Fred Jensen
Complex, multivariate problem Brian, sensitivity being only one variable, and some of the variables are very subjective.  I love my K2 and use it QRP, usually in the summer, for field activities.  It is not a great multi-station FD rig and has nowhere near the capabilities of a K3 in such an

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread Jim Brown
On 7/14/2022 1:44 PM, brianpepperdine brianpepperdine wrote: I realize there are a myriad of differences between the K2 and K3, but today I read the specs in each owners manual and was somewhat surprised that the each is listed at about -135 dBm sensitivity (pre-amp on for K2...pre-amp off at 

Re: [Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

2022-07-14 Thread vladimir rytikov
Brian, depends on your use case - sensitivity is not the only spec you need (in fact it could be an overkill to have -130 dBm). K3 with a better synthesizer(you can upgrade K3 to have it) performs way better with reciprocal mixing dynamic range - something which people want for contesting. It is

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-09 Thread Chip Stratton
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Fred Jensen
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread stan levandowski
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Keith Heimbold
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread valvetb...@netzero.com
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Dick, K2ZR
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Ariel Jacala
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Michael D. Adams
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Matt Maguire
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Scott
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:

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2012-08-08 Thread Robert G. Strickland
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-19 Thread Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy
Don, I agree with Don, W3FPR, that a connection central box or Breakout Box, is a good plan. The box which I built uses toggle switches (each with an ON-OFF LED indicator) rather than rotary switches, because frequently I want to listen to two, sometimes but not often to three, of my

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-19 Thread Terry Schieler
Hello Don, From the commercial side, I use the NCS 3240 Multi Switcher. Numerous input devices, up to 4 radios. Individual level settings, etc. Love it. http://www.ncsradio.com/m_switch.html 73, Terry, W0FM -Original Message- From: Don KB1YBG [mailto:thompsond...@gmail.com]

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-19 Thread Guy Olinger K2AV
Should note they are discontinuing these, per the referenced web page. Apparently not enough demand to maintain production. 73, Guy. On Thu, Jul 19, 2012 at 10:22 AM, Terry Schieler terry.schie...@wirelessusa.com wrote: Hello Don, From the commercial side, I use the NCS 3240 Multi

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-19 Thread Terry Schieler
: Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections Should note they are discontinuing these, per the referenced web page.   Apparently not enough demand to maintain production.   73, Guy. On Thu, Jul 19, 2012 at 10:22 AM, Terry Schieler terry.schie...@wirelessusa.com wrote: Hello Don, From

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-19 Thread Steve Dyer
No longer available for individual sale... Steve W1SRD Hello Don, From the commercial side, I use the NCS 3240 Multi Switcher. Numerous input devices, up to 4 radios. Individual level settings, etc. Love it. http://www.ncsradio.com/m_switch.html 73, Terry, W0FM -Original

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Key/Phone Connections

2012-07-18 Thread Don Wilhelm
Don, Sounds like a good plan to me. I might suggest the EC2 enclosure. The switches obtained from a 4 port data switch will have more poles than you will need. You might also consider building a keyer into that box. The K1EL keyers are inexpensive and quite good. If you contemplate also

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr

2012-02-22 Thread Gary D Krause
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr

2012-02-20 Thread Rick Stealey
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr

2012-02-20 Thread Ariel Jacala
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr

2012-02-20 Thread Bert Craig
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.

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K3 Rcvr

2012-02-20 Thread Andrew Moore
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Microphone Input Impedance

2011-01-11 Thread Jim Brown
On 1/6/2011 2:55 PM, George Jan wrote: It is not critical at all - should be at least 10 times the microphone impedance. Actually, the current applicable IEC Standard DEFINES the impedance of a microphone as 5X its rated load impedance. And yes, a higher input Z is better -- the rated

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Microphone Input Impedance

2011-01-06 Thread George Jan
John, I would not select a radio on the input impedance of the microphone input! It is not critical at all - should be at least 10 times the microphone impedance. Pro-Audio from as far back as the antique Western Electric unbalanced systems of the 40s tend to be in the range of 1 k to 10 k.

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3 Microphone Input Impedance

2011-01-06 Thread John
Rest assured George, the mic input Z is not a rig selection criteria for me. This is for a completely different item I am developing to adapt my mics to various rigs including the K2 and K3. John On 1/6/2011 5:55 PM, George Jan wrote: John, I would not select a radio on the input impedance

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-13 Thread Gary D Krause
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-13 Thread David Yarnes
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Julian, G4ILO
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2009-03-12 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Darwin, Keith
-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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread WILLIS COOKE
--- 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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Michael van Hauten
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Darwin, Keith
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Stephen W. Kercel
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.

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Kevin Rock
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2009-03-12 Thread John Jolley
! -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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Bill Johnson
, 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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2009-03-12 Thread Bob Tellefsen
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread Don Wilhelm
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-12 Thread David Heinsohn
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,

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2009-03-12 Thread WILLIS 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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread Bill Johnson
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread W5CEM
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,

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread Mike-WE0H
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread Randy Moore
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread Mike-WE0H
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

2009-03-11 Thread Dale Putnam
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.

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3

2009-03-11 Thread Milt, N5IA
: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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-08 Thread Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy
Don, Perhaps you have suggested one possible solution to making the output from DSP sound less harsh ('yucky' is a better term IMHO), add some harmonics of the desired output signal. I can't at the moment see how this could be done with relatively simple circuitry which would have to

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-08 Thread David Wilburn
I still like my K2, but I am very happy with the K3. I had never gotten around to setting the K2 up to work digital modes, or so I could use N1MM and send CW from the computer during a contest. All those have already been done on the K3 in a short period of time. In the past, I was often

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread Gary D Krause
Hi Mike, It's funny you should post at this time. I don't have a K3 but, I was looking at the test results on the Elecraft web site just yesterday. I was wondering how much difference there really is since the numbers are pretty close. Gary, N7HTS K2 On Wed, 7 May 2008 10:13:11 -0400

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread Bill W4ZV
Gary Krause N7HTS wrote: It's funny you should post at this time. I don't have a K3 but, I was looking at the test results on the Elecraft web site just yesterday. I was wondering how much difference there really is since the numbers are pretty close. Gary the numbers might be

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread John
At 08:13 AM 07/05/08, you wrote: Hi, I put my K2 #1400 back on line last night to have a listen around 40M CW. I'm getting a bit fed up with one step forward, half a step back firmware upgrades and am giving it a rest for a while. Anyway, I was surprised just how nice it sounded compared to my

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread Gary D Krause
Hi Bill, That's a good point. I guess I didn't really think about that since I've rarely noticed it. Both of my other HF rigs are from the 80's and my K2 #6113 is the newest that I have. I'm use to fighting QRM. Hi! Hi! To me, the K2 is way better than my other rigs. Now it makes me

RE: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread Carl Clawson
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. Have you played with Rx EQ? Add some bass,

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread Don Wilhelm
Mike, I believe it is all in the perception. The K2 is all analog (unless the KDSP2 is active), but the K3 processing is digital. Each has its own advantages and artifacts to contend with. Analog can soften the background noise while the digital DSP can reproduce it 'in all its glory'. I

Re: [Elecraft] K2 v K3

2008-05-07 Thread David Cutter
Similar to vinyl vs. cd David G3UNA Mike, I believe it is all in the perception. The K2 is all analog (unless the KDSP2 is active), but the K3 processing is digital. Each has its own advantages and artifacts to contend with. Analog can soften the background noise while the digital DSP

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3 Weekend Fun Project

2008-02-09 Thread Thom LaCosta
On Fri, 8 Feb 2008, Don Rasmussen wrote: Give it a try this weekend and pass along any feedback you may have wb8yqj at yahoo dot com Please contact me directly so as not to clog this reflector with my personal traffic. t u Of course you could open up a topic about it on the forum at

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3... oh which one to pick

2007-08-09 Thread ab7r
The K3 RX specs are better than the K2 and most other radios in just about every category. The optional filters are roofing filters to control what is passed to the IF and AF DSP. The ultimate BW is based on adjusting the WIDTH control...making it much more flexible in determining BW than

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3... oh which one to pick

2007-08-09 Thread Jesse Justiss
Both, I wouldn't miss winding toroid's and aligning filters, not to mention real soldering. Then seeing how close you can get WWV. The internal battery and tuner is a blast on the porch with an all band doublet with 600 ohm feeders. 10 to 15 watts with that antenna does quite well at times.

RE: [Elecraft] K2 and K3... oh which one to pick

2007-08-09 Thread Brett gazdzinski
I think the eventual goal should be to get both. The K3 is likely to be a far better radio than the K2, maybe the best radio on the market, but you BUILD the K2. Besides the fun of building, you get attached to a radio you built. Maybe get the K2 now and have fun building it, then get a K3 after

Re: [Elecraft] K2 and K3... oh which one to pick

2007-08-09 Thread Thom LaCosta
On Thu, 9 Aug 2007, John Huggins wrote: - Do I buy a K2 with accessories (or add them later) and get it right now plus build time or... - Spring for a K3 with enough options for SSB and hope to get it before March 2008 (Virginia QSO Party) Depends on how much money you have, and the a vs

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-07-06 Thread Bill Coleman
On Jun 30, 2007, at 8:23 PM, John Tobias Croteau wrote: As some of you know, I've been looking at putting together a K2 station for portable RTTY/PSK31 operation. However, as I am looking at the cost differences, I am now wondering if I might better off with a K3. Go with the K3. The K2/100

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-07-01 Thread Julian G4ILO
On 7/1/07, Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One of the differences between the K2 and K3 is that, being in a bigger box, the K3 has bigger knobs, bigger buttons and a bigger display with bigger letters. Those are a huge so what? for many young ops, but it sounds to me like they might

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Jim Miller
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Don Wilhelm
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Julian G4ILO
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Fred (FL)
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread AJSOENKE
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread N2EY
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?

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Augie Hansen
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.

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 re: final COST

2007-07-01 Thread Augie Hansen
... 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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread Joe-aa4nn
It is a simple answer, really. A factory built K3 and you're all set. de Joe, aa4nn - Original Message - From: John Tobias Croteau [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K2 or K3 As some of you know, I've been

RE: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread Craig Rairdin
Therefore, by the time I buy the kits from Elecraft and pay for assembly, I am looking at $1270 to $1370 for a basic K2 with what I need for data ops. For $1399, I can get a K3/10 with the same features plus many extras and better performance. Maybe I should also look for a used K2 but

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread John Tobias Croteau
On 6/30/07, Mike Short [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The basic 10W rig is about 1400. More than the K2, though. What were you getting with the K2? Yup, that's my dilemma. K2 + KAF2 + KSB2 + KIO2 is $925 delivered. Builders want between $350 and $450 for assembly. According to my doctor and social

RE: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread Brett gazdzinski
-Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Tobias Croteau Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 9:07 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3 On 6/30/07, Mike Short [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The basic 10W rig is about 1400. More

Re: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread Hisashi T Fujinaka
On Sat, 30 Jun 2007, John Tobias Croteau wrote: On 6/30/07, Mike Short [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The basic 10W rig is about 1400. More than the K2, though. What were you getting with the K2? Yup, that's my dilemma. K2 + KAF2 + KSB2 + KIO2 is $925 delivered. Builders want between $350 and $450

RE: [Elecraft] K2 or K3

2007-06-30 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
One of the differences between the K2 and K3 is that, being in a bigger box, the K3 has bigger knobs, bigger buttons and a bigger display with bigger letters. Those are a huge so what? for many young ops, but it sounds to me like they might making operating the K3 much more pleasant for you, not

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio

2007-06-24 Thread K0PQar
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio

2007-06-24 Thread igor sokolov
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3 audio

2007-06-23 Thread Jeff Kinzli N6GQ
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

Re: [Elecraft] K2 to K3 - Outside the Box

2007-05-27 Thread N2EY
In a message dated 5/27/07 7:58:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why couldn't there be a redesign of pieces and parts in the K2 that is a result of the K3 experience. What would it be to put out a new control board that takes the lessons from the K3 to the K2?

Re: [Elecraft] K2 to K3 - Outside the Box

2007-05-27 Thread Logan Zintsmaster
In looking at the K2 schematic, it occurred to me that you could take the IF from the Noise Blanker plug, buffer it, and send to an outboard unit (how's that for outside of the box thinking) that could have the roofing filters and downconverter to the 15KHz DSP IF and then use the K3 DSP