[Elecraft] K2 #2644 Speaks!

[frastephen@comcast.net]

Well, ordered the SSB option and the microphone last Friday afternoon -- it
arrived Monday morning!  Great service by both Elecraft and the USPS!

Had yesterday off so spent the day building the Option.  Spent about an hour
inventorying the kit.  Only "problem" was that the inventory list states
there was supposed to be 2 feet of insulated wire - not there!  I dug around
in the "leftovers" from the original K2 build and found a good hunk of the
stuff.  Fortunately, there are no steps that call for using insulated
hook-up wire!!  They might want to adjust the manual on that one!

Spent about 10 hours building and installing the KSB2.  Again, great
instructions and no problems!  I can see why they want you to do the base K2
first -- that PC board is really tight!  But the instructions lead you
through a process that keeps you from having to get out of your own way, as
it were!  Did the basic alignment and some quick tests with a local receiver
last night and then fired it up this afternoon on ECARS to get a report --
K2 #2644 (at 5w) cut through the QRN with a readable signal and good audio!
Not bad for 5w and a 20m dipole on 40m!

I wish they did not ship these options so fast -- it makes it WAY too easy
to spend money (heck, they even keep your credit card number on file!  All
you have to say is send it to me!)!!!!

That KAT2 would be a real nice addition ....

Peace & 73
Stephen
W3SMK
K2 #2644