[Elecraft] K2 This Afternoon and Other Reflections

[Ed Palmer]

Hi everyone. With the weather being bright and sunny and 48 degrees I decided to take the K2 out to the back yard and see how 5 watts and battery power would work in the bottom of the solar cycle.

I mounted my MP-1 on my water meter post with the base off the ground by about 3 1/2 feet. the radials were splayed at roughly 90 degree intervals around the antenna. I fired up the K2 at 5 watts and checked into both the Maritime Mobile Net and the YL System. Got anywhere from 5x5 to 5X9 reports from the east coast, Canada and the southeast from here in south central Iowa. All stations had positive comments on the audio. 

The K2 never ceases to amaze me and to think during the building process I was ready to take a sledge hammer to it. Taking a hiatus from building and encouragement from you folks here on the reflector helped me realize a successful build not to mention just simply a great kit from Elecraft. I musn't forget Gary Surrency for finally getting me to see the forest in spite of the trees. I plan to build another K2 one of these days but not sure if I'll sell this one or keep it as a testemant to both my inclination to ineptness and stubborness and still be successful. 

Thanks again folks and thanks to the Elecraft support.

73, Ed N0EHQ K2 #4595