[Elecraft] K2 #06602 under construction

[Gary D Krause]

Hi Marinus,

I left the tape that was already covering the holes when I received the kit. 
 In fact, I believe they suggest that you do that in the manual.  I only cut 
out the hole that I needed to use.

I also installed the mike connector on the front since I think it would look 
awful even if I didn't plan to use it.  To me, it's like buying a car without 
head lights:-)

As far as CW is concerned, who knows?  I work mostly CW and have noticed that 
I seem to work the same people over and over again.  One of the reasons I have 
put off buying a new rig is because, I'm wondering about the future of ham 
radio myself.  I'm not interested in the digital modes even though I have the 
SSB board installed in my K2.

Gary, N7HTS


On Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:50:10 +0000
  Marinus Loewensteijn <zl2ml at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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