[Elecraft] Here we go ... stupid newbie questions ...

[gehringc at charter.net]

Keith Darwin, wrote: 

> I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the hobby.  I'm interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP)... Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?...
> How does K2 compare to the TenTec Argonaut V?


Keith,
I am a really new Ham.  I got my Tech Plus in 1996, then without ever touching a radio upgraded 
to General in Nov 2003.  My first radio was the Ten Tec 516 Argonaut V with the TCXO.  My very 
first time on the air with anything other than a CB (and we don't need to talk about that) was 
Feb 2004.  Things I love about the Argonaut V.  I like having 100 programmable memories, the 
QSK is fantastic, General Coverage Receiver, and I didn't need any extra filters or 
modifications to get on the air.  Things I don't like about the Argonaut V, it takes a lot of 
power and not well suited for field operations. 

I got into Ham Radio for CW operations.  I have been 100% CW from day one.  I had such a great 
time with my Argonaut at home I decided to buy a KX1 for field operations.  I was so impressed 
with the KX1 and had such great fun building and operating with it I bought a K2.   

I wish my K2 had more memories but then I could always hook it up to a computer.  I started out 
with a basic K2 and then added the KNB2 Noise Blanker, KAT2 Antenna Tuner, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2 
KDSP2 and KAF2 real time clock.  This kit building thing is very addictive, and while I don't 
use it I installed the KSB2 for SSB.  I even got really froggy and built the KPA100 and mounted 
it in a remote KAT100 Auto tuner.  Effectively I have a great K2 QRP rig that is remoted for 
QRO operations and I can quickly disconnect and take it to the field.  I have run my K2 side by 
side with my Argonaut V switching back and forth to the same antenna.  The differences to my 
NOVICE ear are very subtle.  

With all of that said the KDSP2 on my K2 is hands down the best addition to my K2 and lets me 
copy stuff that I would never be able to filter out on with my Argonaut V.  I will not be 
getting rid of my Argonaut V any time soon, it is a great rig.  My K2 is and will remain my 
main rig.  Currently my Argonaut V is on loan to my Dad who has also been QRT for several 
years.  As soon as he finishes building his K1, I will get my Ten Tec back.  

As for the K2 mods, build the basic K2 and add the mods later after the basic rig is working.  
Building it and operating it has been absolutely fantastic.  The Elecraft Reflector has been my 
proxy Elmer, and the customer support from Elecraft during the build is the best.  
If your interested I have a small web page that shows my shack and some projects, http://tinyurl.com/dy8g6 
If I could only have one radio it would without a doubt be my K2.

I hope that helps 
73 KI4DGH
Chuck Gehring