[Elecraft] K2/100 or (I hang my head in shame...) Icom 706???

[John J. McDonough]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Collazo" <scollazo@cox.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] K2/100 or (I hang my head in shame...) Icom 706???


> I've read a few postings on eHam that basically state the
> 706MKIIG receiver does not even come close to the K2's
> abilities.

I haven't put them side by side, but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
However, the situations where it makes a difference are few and far between.
The 706 is a pretty dandy radio.  In a few hours here, it WILL make a
difference, but any other weekend there really isn't a meaningful
difference.

What will make a difference, tho, are the frills.  The detachable head is a
pretty big deal if you're mobile, especially if you're not driving one of
these 10 MPG land yachts.  And the 706's DSP and scratch pad memories are
darned handy.  As is having VHF in the same box.  For mobile, I'd take the
706 hands down.

http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr/Mobile.html

For the fixed station, I'm not so sure.  To tell you the truth, for DXing
some of the 706 features are a big win for me.  But for casual operating,
the K2 sure is a pleasant radio to operate.  I do play in contests from time
to time, but I'm not a rabid contester, so the K2's bulletproof front end
isn't that big of a deal -- the 706 isn't THAT bad.  It is a little pricey,
tho.  Not only is the rig around 800, but you will want a filter or two at
100 a pop, and that stupid $80 OPC-581, plus the MB-63. (although I think
the OPC-581 might be free right now).  So you're easily over a grand.  Of
course, the K2-100 with a few options is going to get there, too.

72/73 de WB8RCR    http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr
didileydadidah     QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35