[Elecraft] K2 #06602 under construction

[Marinus Loewensteijn]

K2 lovers, please your input.
 
There is a rather high chance that I will loose my vision due to health issues that sofar have proven to be irreversible. I am attempting to make the best use of the time while I am still able.
 
Am a CW addict and do not care about SSB. Had a good look around and could not find a reasonable priced CW transceiver with QSK. (I just sold my TenTec Omni 546C which I had intended to keep going for the next 30 years but it needs maintenance and drive adjustments which made it not a good "future proof" solution. Tentec's new rigs are out of my price range.) 
 
Would have ordered the K1 if it was not for local requirements dictating a strong front end.
 
The string front end requirements resulted in the basic K2 with noise blanker kit being purchased.  (the proven performance / reliability and the ability to do local repair also played a large part in the decision. ) There is no intention going to QRO level (due to health considerations).
 
This setup will suit me FB for the immediate future. However I have some questions and like to invite your thoughts.
 
1) In light of the fact that technology never rests makes me wonder about the future of CW. Do I need to invest in the SSB module so that I am able to switch to digital modes should this be required or do you all expect CW to be around for a long time to come?
 
2) For those under you who are perfectionists: what do you do with all those holes in the back that are not used or the labels above / below the buttons that have no meaningfull function behind them (e.g. the ANT 1/2 , ALC, VOX ) If using this as a pure CW rig and no meainingfull use for the microphone connector, do you still have it there (just for show?) or did you do something else with it? Do you fill up the holes with JBweld and then use the touchup paint to mask them and paint over the unused labels?
 
Many thanks in advance, 73, Marinus, ZL2ML 
 
 
 
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