[Elecraft] k144XV Rocks

[zumbruns at comcast.net]

I'm sure this is old news to many K3 users with the K144XV installed in their K3 but as Wayne mentioned quite some time ago on this reflector the K144XV 'Rocks'.  I have never operated 2 meter SSB before and had the pleasure of installing the 2 meter option to a friends new K3.  The install was straight forward and I again marveled at the thought put into the design and placement of the K144XV in the K3.  I downloaded the latest firmware after I setup the phase lock calibration and tuned the band.  Mind you I had a 2 foot handitalkie whip on the K3.  I turned to the 2 meter calling frequency and low and behold there was a friend talking to a guy about 50 miles north of us.  Guess what?  I could copy both sides of the conversation and when I broke to call my friend he told me to stand by and when he came back he introduced me to the other party of the qso.  I didn't think there was anyway that this guy in Wyoming could copy me but he was copying me 100% about an S5.  Needless to say I was shocked.  Granted he had a tall tower and 11 element 2 meter antenna pointed my way but still...There I was with a dinky little vertical whip sitting in my basement running 10 watts and talking with this guy 50 miles to the north in another state.  The bug struck and now I too ordered the internal 2 meter option for my K3 SN 176.  Who knows maybe I'll get into moon bounce, ha.  Anyone have any suggestions for a 2 meter amplifier for the station?  Thanks again Elecraft for putting the fun back into the hobby.  Best 73, Steve W0SZ