[1000mp] MP vs MK-V vs K2 vs Etc.- Let's Roll

[1000mp@mailman.qth.net]

Henry, K4TMC wrote:

"Although the old ARRL Lab specs for the TS830 do not look great, it
seemed to be a better performing rig in contests."
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The TS-830S was a great rig in its day.  When I upgraded to the FT-1000MP
I noticed fewer chirps and birdies with the MP during contests than I did
with the 830.
==========

"Why can we not get the FT1000MP with a narrower roofing filter?"
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Interesting question.  Dunno if it's plug-in like the normal IF filters.
==========

"W8JI further stated �It would be easy to beat the K2, or improve it�Just
by changing the post-mixer amp, the numbers could increase 5dB.  For
about another $20 or so in cost, you could push IM3 and blocking  up
another 10 or 15 dB.�  This all sounds great, where are the details?"
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As a K2 owner, my ears perked up when I read that, too.  Please, some
details, Tom.
==========

"Is Elecraft working on adding these changes, or do we do it ourselves?"
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I've heard nothing on the Elecraft Reflector about any changes to the
post mixer or anything else to improve the K2's IM3.

BTW, I've operated in two CW contests so far with my K2 (WPX and IARU)
and had not yet heard any IM3 chirps and birdies.
==========

"With Elecraft�s delay in getting the 100W amp module for the K2, I had
decided to not get one, instead hoping maybe they were going to come out
with a K3 model that would have the 100W built-in, some more  receiver
filtering additions, 160-10M (maybe even 6M), antenna tuner, front-panel
variable AGC, and maybe an RF speech processor."
----------
Elecraft began selling their 100-watt kit for the K2 during the Dayton
Hamvention.   Many of them are now on the air.  The 100-watt kit installs
insde the K2's top cover, so it's still a one-piece unit, i.e., it's not
a "K3", but rather a "K2/100".  I like my K2 well enough that I plan to
get the 100-watt kit as soon as I complete DXCC with the 10-watter
(worked A71EZ today for #94 with the K2).

There has been talk on the Elecraft Reflector about improving the K2's
xtal filtering, but it's already satisfactory IMHO.

I doubt that there will be a kit to extend the K2's range to 6 meters. 
However, just today Elecraft announced they will have a 60-meter kit
ready for the K2 when that new band becomes official.

The AGC is quite adequate, IMHO, with front panel selectable fast, slow,
and off.  The K2's AGC is a helluva lot better than the MP's.

I doubt if there will ever be an RF speech processor mod for the K2.  Its
audio speech processor is quite good.  I've received unsolicited reports
of "outstanding audio" on SSB with the K2, but never with the MP (using
the same cheap dynamic microphone on both rigs).
==========

"Since that is apparently further-off, would the K2 receiver be improved
if INRAD offered a 4.9 MHz filter?"
--------
I doubt it very much.  The K2 uses five individual solder-in matched
xtals as a variable bandwidth filter.  The skirts are not as steep as
INRAD's plug-in filters, but I've had no problems with adjacent channel
QRM on either SSB or CW with my K2.
========== 

" Conclusion:  Now, I�m not against spending several hundred more dollars
to upgrade the 1000MP, in lieu of buying another new rig just to find out
it is no better.  I am now accustomed to the features of the 1000MP  and
would like to keep it, if it can be reasonably improved.  Or, if the K2
is really the rig I am looking for, then I�ll sell the 1000MP, and get
that.  I do not need general coverage receive, and can even get by
without the DSP circuits (for me, they add too much distortion)."
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I'm not sure you can place the K2 in the same class with the FT-1000MP. 
The MP is certainly more radio than the K2, but I find myself prefering
to use the K2 lately unless I need the power.
==========

"And, it may be that the new Ten-Tec Orion is the best performing
receiver; however, it may be next year before we know that."
----------
Ten-Tec is now taking orders for the Orion and expects to begin shipping
in September.  They haven't released the specs yet, but I would think
they'll look quite good for the receiver.  The IF filters in the front
end of the Orion are also the roofing filters.  On CW, the roofing filter
may be as narrow as 250 Hz.

ARRL usually doesn't do a review on a new transceiver until 6 months to a
year after it's on the market.  I'm sure many MP owners are awaitng the
lab results on the Orion with baited breath.

73, de Earl, K6SE