[Elecraft] Please end thread re Frustration: The demise of the KAT2

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I don't see any need for apologies, Tim.

The only time I got "flamed" on this reflector was about a year and a half
ago when I innocently asked about the QRO amplifier module for the K2.

My e-mail box got jammed with messages asking me what in %$#& I was talking
about and telling me that the K2 was a QRP rig and that Elecraft would NEVER
consider an amplifier for it!

I was astonished, because part of my choice of the K2 was the description on
their web site of an amplifier module that would be a part of the K2. Back
then they had "left the door open" for it to be either a 50 watt or 100 watt
output module. Clearly, it was still in the early stages of the design.

My point is that we tend to see what we are looking for. That's the way it
is with us human beings and, contrary to what some folks might think at
times, every Ham I've ever met is a Human Being somewhere inside of all the
solder burns and rosin fumes.

Up until then the K2 had attracted the QRP operators and few of those "saw"
the option in plain sight that listed a QRO amplifier module that was to be
an integral part of it.

I did NOT order the battery or KAT2 specifically for that reason, although
I've considered doing so from time to time since just because it makes such
a GREAT little portable rig. A real RACES/fun portable capability that would
be good to have in the shack, but I already have other ways to accomplish
that if the need arises. You see, I was coming from just the opposite
direction of most others - I wanted to build a QRO rig that I could also use
as a QRP rig.

So I saw completely different things on the Elecraft web site than all of
those dedicated QRPers who were astonished at my mention of a QRO amp
module.

And when flexibility is added to a design, it its guaranteed that "one size
WON'T  fit all!"  I think the Elecraft guys did a GREAT job of working out a
way to turn the K2 into a QRP or a QRO rig in a matter of minutes with a
screwdriver. It's a compromise, to be sure, but what in life isn't? My
compromise is to run an external ATU and external battery for portable work.

I've been QRP 99% of the time over the past 30 years now. I have never
lacked company for low-power QSO's. I doubt if that will change any time
soon, and a LOT of those QSO's include K2's and K2's equipped with the KAT2.
Indeed, I have NOT ordered a KPA100 yet. I haven't had much time for Ham
radio lately. And I have a pair of 807's and all the parts for a nice
"glowbug" amp - since I don't contemplate taking the amp mobile or portable.
It looks like an interesting project, if I really get the bug to QRO. And
the one thing that is more fun that assembling a kit is to build something
from "scratch". It's usually a LOT more work, but it has equally greater
satisfaction to me.

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289