[Elecraft] Blasphemy maybe but looking for an honest assessment of the K2 vs. Icom 7300 ...

[Don Wilhelm]

Randy,

Faced with that kind of decision (mainly dollar comparison), why fully 
upgrade the K2 with the A/B mods -- just update the firmware to get the 
added functions.  From your question, I surmise you are not necessarily 
'in love' with your K2 as some of the original builders would be having 
tremendous pride in the fact that they built it themselves.  I for one 
have my Field Test K2 SN 0020 which has been fully upgraded, but I will 
not part with it - that is for my heirs to decide.

Yes, you will not have the temperature stability of a new K2, and you 
will not have some of the other K2 hardware improvements. But it will 
still work fine for less money than a full upgrade.  I am assuming you 
will be using it in a temperature stable environment.
Any K2 can work great - the most important for receive performance is 
the IF filter alignment, so do that carefully with an audio spectrum 
analyzer running on your computer.  If you are planning digital modes, 
turn on the RTTY filter set and align those filters to optimize your 
digital filters while not disturbing your SSB settings, especially 
compression settings.

I am certain the Icom 7300 will have more modern features, but in 
receive performance even the oldest K2 can stand on its own.  I have not 
compared the K2 with a 7300, but you can check the Sherwood ratings to 
see the relative ranking.

Oh yes, if it is a QRP K2, and you want 100 watt capability, you will 
need the KPA100 and KAT100 as well.  There are parts in the KPA100 kit 
to upgrade the 10/12 meter bandpass filter and the VFO ALC.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/8/2019 11:19 PM, Randy Heise wrote:
> So, background! I have just returned to the air after an 18 year hiatus
> other than keeping my license up to date. What lured me back was retirement
> and FT-8. For the past several days I have been operating with my Rev. A K2
> (all options) built in 2001, a SignaLink USB interface, WSJT-X, MacLoggerDX
> and JT-Bridge. Because I am "antenna challenged³ due to the HOA it has
> become obvious that except in perfect conditions I could use a little more
> horsepower. I¹m faced with a $1,170 bill to do the Rev. A/B mods, build the
> Kat-100 and KPA-100 Š or Š $1,215 for an Icom 7300 and an LDG IT100 external
> tuner. I¹d really appreciate thoughts from anyone who is knowledgeable on
> both rigs. The Icom gives me a waterfall display and 6 meters Š WSJT-X gives
> my K2 a waterfall display. It¹s a toss up in price but I can¹t help
> wondering about the 20 year difference in technology.
>