[Elecraft] K2 vs K3

Wed Aug 8 16:31:07 EDT 2012

Rather than a traditional G5RV antenna, you might want to look at a ZS6BKW, which is an updated version of the G5RV optimised using computer modelling techniques that were not available when the G5RV was first designed:
http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/ZS6BKW.pdf

73, Matt VK2ACL

On 09/08/2012, at 5:42 AM, "Dick, K2ZR" <k2zr at arrl.net> wrote:

> Lee,
> I'm with Keith's immediate solution. Waiting a year or two to get on the 
> HF is a long time. There are plenty of seasoned hams with HF gear 
> collecting dust that'll get you on the HF bands. In my area it is not 
> uncommon to get a loaner HF rig or one at a very reasonable price. 
> You'll be On The Air.
> One of the local fellows I've been Elmering borrowed an IC-745 that was 
> collecting dust. He did buy it a month or so later at a very reasonable 
> price. It has been a year since he's had the IC-745 and he's come a long 
> way from August 2011. He's become quite proficient on CW, worked WAS, 
> has 54 DXCC entities under his belt & more! Soooooooo, why wait! Get a 
> loaner, put up a G5RV wire antenna, drive in a ground rod, connect it up 
> to your radio and get on the air. You can find information on a G5RV all 
> over the "net".
> If you must have 2 meter mobile, find yourself a used piece of gear for 
> $100. You should be able to find a FT-1802M for that. It's reliable and 
> easy to use. Four years ago I bought one new for $139.00. There are also 
> other pieces of 2M mobile gear out there that won't break your bank.
> When the time comes and you're ready to spend bigger dollars, buy the K3 
> or K2; both are excellent pieces of gear. They were both characterized 
> beautifully in the email that was sent to you by Fred Jensen, K6DGW.
> 73,
> Dick, K2ZR
> K2 #6557 now a K2/100 w/KAT100-1 (Thanks Vic)
> ICOM IC-765            ( Oldie but Goodie HF Rig )
> Yaesu  FT-900AT       ( Use it for HF mobile often )
> ARRL "OO"
> ARRL WNY ASM
> FOC
> CWops
> Western NY DX Association
> Cold Brook Contest Club
> Western NY Contest Club
> QRPARCI #957
> Pounding Brass Since March 19th,1962
> 
> 
> Keith Heimbold wrote:
> 
>> Lee,
>> 
>> I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for cheap and save up for the K3. 
>> 
>> Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun.  A QRP rig could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to get on the air.  You should be able to get something going as you save for the K3.
>> 
>> Good luck!
>> 
>> Keith 
>> AG6AZ
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>> 
>> On Aug 8, 2012, at 9:41 AM, "Lee Herbst" <lcherbst at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> 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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>> 
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