[Elecraft] K2 QRO or Not?

[Vic Rosenthal]

js wrote:

> On the other hand, if you really want QRO, have you considered a separate HF
> linear amplifer?  I use my K2 to drive my ICOM ICPW-1 and can get a fully
> 500 watts output.

Most inexpensive amplifiers (the ICOM is not inexpensive) have about 13 
db gain.  That means that you will get around 250 watts output when 
driven with a barefoot K2.  This is only 3 DB more than you will get 
from a KPA100, from an arrangement that

1) Costs more than the KPA100,

2) Will require separate bandswitching and tuning from the K2 (unless 
you can afford a solid-state or autotune amp),

3) Will probably not have QSK without modification,

4) Will take up a large amount of space in your shack.

I've been this route (including tweaking the barefoot K2 to provide more 
drive) and I can say that the KPA100 is well worth the cost!

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco