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

[Fred Jensen]

Phil Hystad wrote:

> A lot of guys talk about buying a K3 and using their K2 for portable
> ops.  I am curious -- other then the obvious cost difference and the
> fact that I don't have a K2, is there any reason why a K2 would be a
> better portable ops rig then a K3?

You're going to get a LOT of opinions, Phil!  I bought the K2/QRP 
because it was the Elecraft top-of-the-line at that time, I had used one 
and was stunned at the receiver, and I liked the weight, size, and low 
RX current drain, I do some field events and contests in the summer.  I 
used it for a couple or three years, augmented it with a KX1 for a 
cruise through the Panama Canal, and was a pretty happy camper.

Then the K3 was announced and I got a couple of chances to try out early 
S/N's and decided it would meet a big need ... I have two local friends 
who run a lot of power within 4 km of me.  My TS-850 was essentially 
unusable on the band they were on, so I got the K3 [#642].  I am hugely 
happy with it, the TS-850 is gone, and the old TS-830 will be soon.

Like you, my K3 is fairly well shackled to the rack with lots of cables. 
  I take the K2 for the field events.  It works great for me, YMMV.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2010 Cal QSO Party 2-3 Oct 2010
- www.cqp.org