[Elecraft] K2 vs K3 ?

[Darwin, Keith]

-----Original Message-----

... the K3 is a All in one rig with top of line features.

The K2 was the former one.

But I can make a qrp rig for $770 K2 kit instead of $1400 K3 semi-kit
and I am an electrical engineer.

Is there any good reason to go to the K3?

VE3GYV John

------------------------

Absolutely, yes, there are many good reasons to go K3 over K2.

I had a K2 and really liked it but wished it did some things better.
The K2 s-meter left me rather unimpressed.  CW sidetone quality was good
but not great.  I used an external AF filter to clean it up.  The K2
display didn't give all that much information.  The fan on the K2/100 is
very noisy.  I used an external fan to keep the rig cool so the internal
fan would not turn on.  The K2's SSB performance was good but no better.
I run CW only so I didn't care, however.

I upgraded to a K3/10 and absolutely love it.  CW sidetone is very
sweet.  AGC performance is better (adjustable).  The S-meter is better.
Display is better.  I have 2 key inputs (one for paddles one for manual
key) instead of just one.  The rig feels like a real rig rather than a
very nice QRP rig.

When you do your price comparison, make sure you're comparing equivalent
rigs.  The K3 comes with built-in DSP and does not need AF filtering.
With the K2 you have to add the DSP or AF as an option.  K3 covers 160
meters - optional in the K2.

- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -