[Elecraft] New Transverter Kits

[Daniel Reynolds]

Actually - I am excited about the new transverters for what they were
originally designed for - weak signal operation (i.e. SSB/CW) on VHF. Since I
already own a Buddipole (40-10m + 6m + 2m), it would make the K2 a more
inviting portable set up for VHF contesting and maybe even for use during Field
Day. (I sense a trip to the mountains coming one day...)

The difference is that your 5 watt HT on 2 meters might manage 3-30 miles on
FM, and your 5 watt CW K2 on 2 meters might manage 50 miles (or better)! That's
not including tropospheric ducting.

Sporadic E on 6 meters with this new transverter tied into your already hot K2
receiver will make operating the "magic band" even more exciting (especially as
many new QRP ops get burned out during the low end of the sunspot cycle).

There's also auroras, meteor trails, EME ... anyone know if there are still any
RS-10/11 type satellites for working 10m/2m? Satellites are another good reason
to buy a 2nd K2! Anyone know if the K2 with a transverter will handle 10m/2m
split?

I'm looking forward to when they produce a 430 MHz transverter (I hope that
this is in the works).

Am I going to get a 6m or 2m transverter right away? No... I've still got to
build my KAT2, KNB2, and KAF2. I'll use the KAF2 for a while until after I've
heard how others like the new KDSP2. After I get bored, and the VHF bug starts
to bite, (and I also finally pay off my Visa for the K2 + accesories) then I'll
probably dive in and start out with the 6 meter "magic band" transverter. I
guess that means I'll also need to build the KSB2...

Apparently Elecraft know how to keep us busy buying and building new kits ;)

- Daniel/AA0NI