[Elecraft] Need advice - upgrade vs. new K2

[Don Wilhelm]

Craig,

If you plan to keep it, I would say that you should upgrade the current K2
no matter what - and do ALL the upgrades and all the optional pieces too -
including the Keying waveshape change, the PLL Temperature compensation
change and the Extremely Strong signal Handling diodes (no parts kit for
this last one, but it takes only 2 1N4148 diodes).  You will end up with a
K2 that performs just like a new one - it will only have a few more
components mounted on the bottom of the board, and you will not have an AGC
Threshold pot (unless you squeeze a tiny trimmer in there). Do change the
Filter crystals too.  No-one will know it has been upgraded unless they know
what to look for.  I can supply photos of my fully upgraded SN 0020 should
there be any doubt.

As far as a new K2 - well, if you want 2 of them, then the upgrade plus the
new build is the only way to go for economy.  I don't know what financial
constraints you may have, but the outlay for an upgraded K2 plus a new K2
will certainly be less than buying 2 new ones!

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> This falls into the "help me rationalize what I want
> to do" bucket, but make it factual.
>
> I am an owner of a K2 sn 1014 who loves to build. It
> has SSB, NB, 160M, auto tuner and battery. (Also have
> a KX1 and a T1)
>
> Should I;
> 1. Upgrade the K2 and add the KP100 (Upgrades are
> about $140 total)...or
> 2. Buy a new K2 with the SSB option and KP100 ?
>
> The end results are of course different as in #2 I
> would have 2 K2's.
>
> Are there any comments on installing the full boat of
> upgrades required for an old K2 to get it current ?
>
> Thanks
> Craig
>