[Elecraft] K2 vs K3

[Ariel Jacala]

Lee
 
I agree with Fred Jensen.  The K2 was all the radio I ever needed.  The operative word is "needed".   The K2 has served me well.  I was licensed in 2009 and got my HF privileges in 2010.  Since 2010, I have bought a TS830S used from a Canadian Missionary radio amateur an FT897 and got 2/3 of the states for Worked All States (phone) between those 2 rigs.  I have since sold the TS830S and in the process of selling the FT897.  I have since gotten Worked All States 2 more times over with my K2.   My K2 does have most of the bells and whistles - SSB, KAF2, KPA100, NB, SSB, KAT2 but is mostly operated QRP - 95% except for the few times when I work DX contests.  I have since reached DXCC both CW and Mixed Mode and the K2 was the rig I did it with.  Some say the K3 sounds better on phone.  The K2 is the most intuitive radio I have ever owned.  The K3 is a better contesting rig - no arguments there.  It all depends on what you want to spend your time in the hobby.  You can do well in SKCC and NAQCC sprints with a K2 or K2/100.  As a top line contester with the skills it carries - the K3 is a better choice.  I will probably never part with my K2.  If I had a limited budget and want a barefoot rig (100 watts) - I would opt for a K2/100.  I can swap out the PA deck for Field Day QRP in 5 minutes.     My 2 cents
 
Ariel NY4G
 

> Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 12:41:09 -0400
> From: lcherbst at gmail.com
> To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs K3
> 
> My situation is this, single income family with 4 kids. I have to save
> for anything I want. I just got my ticket in June. I am currently not
> on the air, but saving for a 2m mobile to get me started.
> 
> Realistically I can only save for one HF xcvr. I chose Elecraft based
> on lurking on this reflector and learning about their excellent
> support - I don't think I can go wrong buying from these guys.
> However, I don't know if I should save for a K2 or a K3. I think it
> will take me about a year to save for the base K2 kit or about 2 years
> to save for the base K3 kit. I need to make sure that whichever I get,
> it will be something I am happy with for a long time as I would not be
> able to afford to replace it.
> 
> I would like to operate cw and ssb, but cw only would be fine until I
> could afford the ssb option if I went for the K2. I am intrigued by
> building a K2 (I am handy with a soldering iron), but on the other
> side of the coin it seems like you get a lot more radio with the K3.
> So, if you were in my shoes, which would you save for? On the air
> sooner with a K2 or waiting longer for a K3? All input is most
> welcome.
> 
> 73,
> 
> -- 
> Lee Herbst - AK4WN
> 
> "Give God your best and let Him do the rest" - Facing the Giants
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