[Elecraft] Getting ready to order K2

[Brian Lloyd]

So after all this discussion of the K3, here I am getting ready to  
purchase a K2.

As I think I have mentioned before, I am setting up a science and  
technology center in our school, Granite Bay Montessori School.  
(http://www.gbmontessori.com) We have received a grant from the ARRL  
to help populate the center with equipment including an amateur  
station. We have been asked for a list of what we would like and I  
have decided to go against the flow and request a K2 kit. (They were  
recommending we choose either a Yaesu FT-897, an Icom IC-706mkIIg, or  
a Kenwood TS-570SG.)

My plan is to have the all the kids work on the kit so that they have  
the feeling of both participation and accomplishment. I also plan to  
use the assembly and testing procedures to help cement what they are  
learning about electricity.

The radios mentioned above all fall into the sub $1000 range so that  
is a calibration point for what I think we can get away with  
spending. So my question here is, if you were going to outfit a K2  
and try to keep the price "reasonable" what would you get and what  
might you leave behind. As I see it, the absolute must-have items are:

1. the K2 itself (duh);
2. the SSB module.

After that it becomes a bit fuzzy. For instance, I would like  
opinions as to the need for the KPA-100. Note that if I don't opt for  
the KPA-100 I *will* get the KIO-2. Since I expect to be using this  
rig mostly in in the classroom with a matched antenna (I am leaning  
toward the GAP Titan DX as I have one and like it), I probably would  
not opt for the KAT-2. What about the DSP module?

The kids are learning the code and I hope/expect that there will be a  
fair amount of CW operation. (The kids actually think that learning  
the code will be a cool thing in and of itself. I am using the Code  
Quick system with them.) I also expect some SSB and digital (AFSK,  
PSK31, MFSK, SSTV, etc.) operation.

Anyway, I solicit the input from the folks on this list. You have a  
lot of experience with the product and can help me make the right  
decisions.

Thanks!

73 de Brian, WB6RQN
Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com