[Elecraft] A strange story from ABQ

[kevinrock@earthlink.net]

Howdy Folks,
   I built the K2 and listened quite a bit.  I enjoyed just hearing folks around the world.  I tried to contact them with my SSB module and the microphone but didn't have 
much luck except locally.  So I built the 100 watt power amp.  Concurrently I worked on my CW.  I passed element one almost a year ago but that's entirely different than 
using CW as a mode.  So I soldered and copied code, copied code and soldered.  Now I have a working K2/100 but I find I don't pick the mike up.  Often it is packed 
away.  I find I am logging more and more CW contacts.  And the funny thing is I rarely use more than 10 watts.  So the 100 watt amp was fun to build but I rarely use it.  I 
find CW much more fun than voice now and 10 watts or less are even more fun.  How strange, I have come almost full circle.  I built the K2 to go camping, I had problems 
making contacts, I built the power amp, but now I have no problem making contacts while camping.  Since I have changed modes I am having more fun and using much 
less power.  Once my code speed passes in to the double digit category I am going to reward myself with a new kit: the K1.  I guess the moral of the story is that CW and 
QRP are more fun than QRO and voice (in my humble opinion, your mileage may vary).  The most fun is working people from a camp site with a rig I built.  I would really 
enjoy working someone while running off a solar cell given our copious amount of sunlight here in the land of enchantment.
   72,
        Kevin.   KD5ONS