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

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

I don't know, Don. If he installs the KPA100 the lack of temperature 
stability will be a serious issue, at least for digital modes. My 
experience was that before installing the temperature compensation mod, 
the drift was unacceptable even on CW. This was not a problem before the 
additional heat generated by the KPA100.
I think what he should do is get a newer rig (I won't speculate as to 
what's best) for his home-based digital operations.
Then he can either keep his QRP K2 for portable fun, use it as a backup 
rig as I have done, or even sell it (as I would NEVER do!)

73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

On 09/10/2019 7:32, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> 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.
>>
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