[Elecraft] Some thoughts on the K3 as an emergency communications station

[John Fritze]

While I agree with many of Wayne's thoughts about the K3 or the K2 on
the matter of emergency communications I would like to add a few more
thoughts for consideration.

There were initially a number of reasons why I purchased my K3, one of
which was field service-ability for such a high end transceiver.  Yes
I realize I'm probably not going to trouble shoot a board in the
field, but that said, if one of the sub-assemblies goes belly up, I
don't need to return the entire radio to Elecraft for repair, simply
order a new board.

The K2 however, I would not be afraid to replace a single part with
something close from a junk box or even Radio Shack's dwindling parts
supply.  Of course the chance of needing to replace an antenna or mic
connector that got banged might be more common than needing to cut out
an IC and replace it.

However, if I needed to head into a serious emergency situation I
would probably take my "Go Box" which has a Kenwood D700, an Icom
706mK2g, a AC/DC switcher, and 24Ahr battery supply, power poles,
antennas, jacks, modems etc all in one package.  Why the 706?  Yes,
it's a mediocre receiver at best, but honestly, it's a small, fairly
un-destructible work horse.  Having used these in harsh marine
environments I know they can be relied upon.  I'll bet that more 706s
are the main SSB on more sailboats than any other rig, and unless
you've been at sea for a couple of weeks, it's hard to understand how
stuff just craps out!

I don't wish to start a big discussion on the merits of this rig over
that one in an emergency.  I really love my K2 and especially my K3.
Could it be used in an emergency because of Wayne's reasons?
Absolutely!  Would it be my first choice to take?...........

John
K2QY
Deputy Radio Officer
Albany County RACES