[Elecraft] Dreaming...a challenge for the Elecraft team

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I think that Wayne/Eric did a GREAT job supporting the QRP community
with the QRP-version of the K2. Some dedicated QRPers were upset with
the announcement of the KPA100, but it was never a secret nor was it an
"after-thought". 

When I first looked into buying a K2 nearly three years ago, the K2 as
described as being capable of 50 or 100 watts output -- once the power
amplifier module was available. Obviously, the amplifier module wasn't
designed yet and they were hedging a bit about just how much power it
would provide. My point is that the K2 was, from very early on, designed
as a QRO rig that could be configured for QRP-only operation if the
operator so desired. 

Since the amplifier module wasn't available, only those willing to run
10 or 15 watts output bought the K2, and a great many of them were
dedicated five-watts-or-less QRP operators. When I inquired about when
the amp would be available I'll never forget the smoking my tail
feathers got from QRP owners on this reflector who insisted that the K2
as a QRP-only rig and that Wayne and Eric would NEVER consider a higher
powered option.  

The grumbling about whether the K2 "should be" QRP or QRO reminds me of
a similar argument 50 years ago. Back then I heard a lot of grumbling on
the CW bands about "commercial" rigs - kits mostly like the E.F. Johnson
rigs - that were capable of "phone" operation. Purist CW operators had
no use for a "modulator" in their rigs and were unimpressed with the
latest designs showing up after WWII. But the manufacturers ability to
appeal to a broader spectrum of Hams provided better rigs for everyone.
And now it's happened again with a rig that serves a broad spectrum of
Hams with the K2 by a simple swap-of-the-cover.

I'm pleased with the results. And I don't call mine a K2/100. It's just
a K2 running 100 watts... or 15 watts.... or 5 watts... or 1 watt.
Whatever I'm doing at the moment. 

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289

===================================================

   Yes, it's called a nightmare. The K2's reputation as a QRP rig got
flawed enough with the advent of the KPA100 - who will always remember
to use the /100 designator to differentiate?

   73, Eddi ._._.