[Elecraft] Which one for me?

[Francis Belliveau]

It seems to me that you are talking yourself into a K2.

You say that backpacking is not a big priority, but you may want that
option.  The K2 is definately the heaviest of the three but it also has the
best receiver.  I took one up a mountain for field day.  It is not all that
heavy by my standards, but others will likely say otherwise.

What puzzles me about your lists is that they include a KXAT1, and a KAT1;
yet when you strip the KPA100 off your list, you leave in the K160RX but do
not include a KAT2.  If you have little need for 80 why 160?  Also, for
field work having the internal tuner is a major benefit since you want to
spend more time operating than tuning an antenna.

Certainly dropping the KPA100 and KDSP2 from the original list is the best
way to minimize the price of the K2.  This will still give you more power
than either of the other two choices and is also the best choice for a
replacement base station.

Good Luck with making your choice.

Fran
K2 s/n 314