[Elecraft] K2 vs IC-7000 for satellite use.

[Bruce Beford]

Simon-

I don't believe that either the K2 or the Icom IC-7000 are suitable for
satellite use. For optimum performance and minumum frustration, you really
need full-duplex, cross band capability. You must be able to transmit on one
band, while simultaneously receiving on another band. I don't think the
IC-7000 supports this mode. Be sure before you decide.

(I use an ICOM IC-970 for this. Could be portable, if I put wheels on it...)

GL de Bruce N1RX

Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 09:33:39 +0100
From: "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <simon at hb9drv.ch>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K2 Twins software?Linux?
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <023701c5f3f6$6f18ae40$720c2ac9 at simonlaax.ch>
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[Bit of a ramble]

I am currently wondering exactly what to do on the K2 front - I may buy the 
IC-7000 because it has 2m and 70cms and can be taken out portable (with a 
decent battery), also some of my portable locations have 220 volts available

and there are some very small switch-mode power supplies available. The 
IC-7000 would solve quite a few problems in one easy-to-shift package - want

to get out on 2m, 70cms as well as HF.

Not being able to adjust the K2 TX frequency via CAT control makes the K2 + 
transverter option unrealistic for satellite use, this would have been my 
main use for the K2. The IC-7000 can be adjusted while in transmit.

The IC-7000 downside is RX current drain (1.2A), but solar cells can 
compensate for this. Cost-wise it's much cheaper than the K2 + options + 
transverters, but obviously the K2 is a different beast. And I have the KX-1

/ K1 / T1 combination anyway.

On the satellite side I am really waiting for the P3E satellite and may 
stick to the 1.3 / 2.4 (and higher) GHz side of things anyway as I'm sure 
the 2m / 70cms transponder will be pretty full.

What I think will happen is that I'll become familiar with the K1 first, 
then try a side-by-side comparison with the K2 while out portable. I see the

K2 purchase being put back a year or maybe two - we'll just have to see.

Maybe a visit to FDIM in 2006 is needed to help make the decision - if 
finances and US passport requirements permit.

Simon Brown
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