[Elecraft] K2 versus K3 specs

[Al Lorona]

> The K2 is somewhat of a spiritual event. There are many 
> who are very attached to their K2's... because we built them, 
> got familiar with them, used them in memorable situations, 
> and became fondly attached. 

So true, Robert!

My K2 got soaked in a giant rainstorm in Virginia a few Field Days ago in one of those fine, fulminating downpours-at-midnight with lightning and general spookiness. We had to run for our lives into the truck and forgot all about the poor rig sitting stoically on the picnic table. 

In the morning, the damage was assessed: transistors standing in pools; resistors barely keeping their chins above water. And no power-up. We tried everything to dry it out. Leaving it in the sun on the dash of the truck. Q-Tips. But as FD approached it was clear that it wasn't going to dry in time. My sons and I were way bummed out and I felt very stupid.

So how's this for good luck: it so happened that another ham was in the same campground, noticed us, and *brought over his wife's blow dryer* to help us out. We got the K2 on the air just in time, but when I went to invite that ham to operate with us later on, he'd already left. I'll never forget what he did for us.

I'll bet that's the closest anyone on this reflector has come to killing his K2... but K2's evidently Die Hard.

This year the K2 again showed no ill effects from its near-drowning and performed flawlessly and continues to amaze me. It's simple enough to operate and no simpler, making understanding and using it within the reach of even my youngest son. 

We and our K2 have been through far too much together to part ways. K2 forever, baby.

Al  W6LX/4