[Elecraft] [K3] Portable Fit: K3 versus K2

[lstavenhagen]

Hi Phil,

I actually bought my K3 for this exact reason, so it could be my main base
station and allow me to keep the K2 for portable ops. Also, I was wanting to
get into other modes besides CW like PSK31 and as I started pushing the
pencil across the paper on it, it ended up looking more cost effective to
just build a K3 instead of decking out my K2 (which I've decided to leave
totally bare bones CW only except the built in ant tuner). 

But to be perfectly honest, now that I have my K3 up and running, My K2
doesn't actually look all that much better for /p than the k3. In fact, I'm
considering schlepping my K3 on occasions where I plan to use modes other
than just CW. The main advantages of the K2 are size and power consumption.
The K2 draws about 280ma in RX, the K3 a little over 800ma. In xmit, tho,
their current draw on a 12v battery is about the same, with the K3 drawing
maybe slightly more.
Then there's the size difference, but the K3 is still surprisingly strongly
built with stiffeners in the chassis, carrying handle, and still pretty
light weight (at least mine is which is the 10W version).
Finally, there's the cost - it's a little more hair-raising to think about
dragging around a $2000 rig vs a $700 rig. 

Elecraft really did design the K3 for schlepping, it's light-weight,
sturdily built and even has a carrying handle. 

So in my quite honest opinion, unless you want a backup or really need small
size and low current draw, I don't see why you couldn't just go /p with your
K3. Like I said, I'm probably going to end up doing so with my K3 on
occasion if for example I'm bringing a computer along to do PSK31 or in the
rare event I use voice. 

73,
LS
W5QD

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