[Elecraft] 144 MHz Transverter or rig?

[D.W. Harms PA2DW]

"Hi Dick, I wonder how the DEM performs in comparison to the k2
transverter?"

Hi Tony,

I cannot really compare both transvertors, as I have only used the DEM
sofar.

The DEM design is very good as it uses good bandfilters, a high level mixer
and monolythic amplifiers (known to be broadband 50 Ohm, that means low IMD
both on RX and TX).
The DEM is primarely designed for use as a step-up and IF to microwave
bands, so the RF-output is low (100 mW) but if your goal is to use it on 2m,
that is easely brought up to 10-20W with a power-module.
On the receiver side it uses only a MAV11 prior to the mixer, again as it
assumes you will use a microwave transvertor prior to it. But if you use the
DEM in combination with a 2m preamplifier with positive IIP3, such as the
ATF 33134 or ATF 54143, it will be very hard to beat it in any relevant
specification! Another big advantage is that the preamp can be seperatedly
mounted as close as possible to the antenna ;)

The Elecraft transvertor is a good choice though if you want to keep the
ATU/battery-option fixed in the K2, or if you have a KPA100.

Best 73, Dick/PA2DW