Elecraft

Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

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Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Looking for feedback from you K2 and K3 owners:

I'm fairly new to the Elecraft family, having bought a T1 a few years ago for my
FT-817, then getting into the Elecraft transceivers earlier this year (finally).
I now have a KX1, K2, and a KX3. I bought the KX1 and K2 used, but assembled the
KX3 last month.

I haven't used the KX1 or K2 much, but am having a ball with the KX3. So now I'm
realizing it just makes sense for me to wean myself off of other rigs and focus
on the Elecraft family (I sold my FT-897 and FT-857 gear earlier and am
preparing to sell my trusty IC-735). In order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft
rig I've given myself 3 choices:

1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
2. Sell the K2, find more cash, and buy a K3/100.
3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).

If I upgrade the K2 I'll have spent another $400+ and have a nice rig, but I
suspect I'll be wondering if I should have held out for a K3. If I go for the
K3, I really need to sell the K2 to pay for part of it.

I like the idea of owning the top-of-the-line K3 and would likely upgrade it as
I go along, but I'm thinking I'd have most of what I want with a fully upgraded
K2 even though I realized there is an awful lot more to the K3.

Has anyone sold their K2 and bought a K3, and if so, any regrets/comments/other
thoughts?

Thanks.

Bill
WK6A
KX3 #1216
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bill,

Your answer will be couched in your operating habits as well as your
wants and needs.
If you are working DX or contesting and need a top notch transceiver, go
for the K3. The K2 is nothing to sneeze at, but the K3 has AM mode, FM
mode, and for those interested includes ESSB - you only need to purchase
the appropriate filters for those modes. If you like to do a bit if
SWLing, the KBPF3 will allow you to tune the K3 like a general coverage
receiver - the K2 is limited to the ham bands.

The K3 adds the possibility of the KRX3 which gives you 2 identical
receivers in the same box. The K2 offers no parallel, but the KX3 Dual
Watch emulates the same thing, but over a limited frequency range.

Yes, sell off your other transceivers - they cannot beat the K2, K3 or
the KX3 for performance. If you want to sell the K2 to get the K3, that
is a good choice, but if the K2 meets all your operating needs except
for the 100 watt option, just order the KPA100 (and maybe the KAT100).

Do I sound biased? Yes, I certainly am. I was an original Field Tester
for the K2 and have been "All Elecraft" (except for my FT-847) since
then. I also do part-time repair work for them, and they treat me quite
well - besides, I really do think they have some of the very best in ham
radio gear out there today, whether it be the legacy K1, K2 or KX1, or
whether it be the latest K3 and KX3.

73,
Don W3FPR
.
On 9/11/2012 7:46 PM, Bill Tubbs wrote:

Johnny Siu

Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Hello Bill,

Just would like to supplement Don's suggestion. If all you wanted is 100w in operation, apart from KPA100 for K2, you can simply wait for the KXPA100 which can be used for both KX3 and K2 (or other radios).

The performance of K3 and KX3 is quite similar but K3 gives you more operational convenience. K2 is an analogue radio with through-hole construction. In other words, you can repair K2 yourself in large extent.

TNX & 73,

Johnny VR2XMC

________________________________
寄件人︰ Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ Bill Tubbs <[hidden email]>
副本(CC)︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2012年09月12日 (週三) 8:06 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bill,

Your answer will be couched in your operating habits as well as your
wants and needs.
If you are working DX or contesting and need a top notch transceiver, go
for the K3. The K2 is nothing to sneeze at, but the K3 has AM mode, FM
mode, and for those interested includes ESSB - you only need to purchase
the appropriate filters for those modes. If you like to do a bit if
SWLing, the KBPF3 will allow you to tune the K3 like a general coverage
receiver - the K2 is limited to the ham bands.

The K3 adds the possibility of the KRX3 which gives you 2 identical
receivers in the same box. The K2 offers no parallel, but the KX3 Dual
Watch emulates the same thing, but over a limited frequency range.

Yes, sell off your other transceivers - they cannot beat the K2, K3 or
the KX3 for performance. If you want to sell the K2 to get the K3, that
is a good choice, but if the K2 meets all your operating needs except
for the 100 watt option, just order the KPA100 (and maybe the KAT100).

Do I sound biased? Yes, I certainly am. I was an original Field Tester
for the K2 and have been "All Elecraft" (except for my FT-847) since
then. I also do part-time repair work for them, and they treat me quite
well - besides, I really do think they have some of the very best in ham
radio gear out there today, whether it be the legacy K1, K2 or KX1, or
whether it be the latest K3 and KX3.

73,
Don W3FPR
.
On 9/11/2012 7:46 PM, Bill Tubbs wrote:

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Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Thank you for that reasoned response, Don. Your comparison is appreciated! I
wasn't really aware of the limitations of the K2 compared to the K3, but that's
mainly because I haven't been using the K2 much. Now that I have the KX3 it's
about all I use.

My heart is telling me to hold out for the K3 but every time I go to the order
page and cost it out at around $3K (for what I consider basics), I balk and tell
myself to go back and "think some more." Actually, after selling off my FT-897
and accessories I ended up with about $1800 and that's a good start towards the
K3. Just a few more sell-offs and then I can tell myself that I can find the
remaining cash :-)

I was too late to take advantage of the few used K3s that were posted for sale
here but I'll keep looking, just in case.

Meanwhile, I'll pull out my IC735 system so it can go next...

Thanks again, Don.

Bill
WK6A

________________________________
From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
To: Bill Tubbs <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Tue, September 11, 2012 5:07:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bill,

Your answer will be couched in your operating habits as well as your wants and
needs.
If you are working DX or contesting and need a top notch transceiver, go for the
K3. The K2 is nothing to sneeze at, but the K3 has AM mode, FM mode, and for
those interested includes ESSB - you only need to purchase the appropriate
filters for those modes. If you like to do a bit if SWLing, the KBPF3 will allow
you to tune the K3 like a general coverage receiver - the K2 is limited to the
ham bands.

The K3 adds the possibility of the KRX3 which gives you 2 identical receivers in
the same box. The K2 offers no parallel, but the KX3 Dual Watch emulates the
same thing, but over a limited frequency range.

Yes, sell off your other transceivers - they cannot beat the K2, K3 or the KX3
for performance. If you want to sell the K2 to get the K3, that is a good
choice, but if the K2 meets all your operating needs except for the 100 watt
option, just order the KPA100 (and maybe the KAT100).

Do I sound biased? Yes, I certainly am. I was an original Field Tester for the
K2 and have been "All Elecraft" (except for my FT-847) since then. I also do
part-time repair work for them, and they treat me quite well - besides, I really
do think they have some of the very best in ham radio gear out there today,
whether it be the legacy K1, K2 or KX1, or whether it be the latest K3 and KX3.

73,
Don W3FPR
.
On 9/11/2012 7:46 PM, Bill Tubbs wrote:

> Looking for feedback from you K2 and K3 owners:
>
> I'm fairly new to the Elecraft family, having bought a T1 a few years ago for
>my
> FT-817, then getting into the Elecraft transceivers earlier this year
>(finally).
> I now have a KX1, K2, and a KX3. I bought the KX1 and K2 used, but assembled
>the
> KX3 last month.
>
> I haven't used the KX1 or K2 much, but am having a ball with the KX3. So now
>I'm
> realizing it just makes sense for me to wean myself off of other rigs and

Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by Johnny Siu

Johnny,

I have to admit that working on rigs has never been my strong suit. My
limitations were with Heathkits :-) That being said, I'm beginning to lean
strongly in favor of the K3. What with the great Elecraft support (almost local
to me) I'd rather the experts work on them instead of me!

The 100w is something I want mainly because I'm divesting myself of all my other
100w rigs and I WOULD like one to use when I get frustrated with QRP. I scan
through all the messages on this list and find that I have no idea what some
guys are talking about in many of the theoretical discussions, but it also tells
me that there is an awful lot to the K3 that I will never outgrow.

Thanks for the response!

Bill
WK6A

________________________________
From: Johnny Siu <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>; Bill Tubbs <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tue, September 11, 2012 5:30:07 PM
Subject: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Hello Bill,

Just would like to supplement Don's suggestion. If all you wanted is 100w in
operation, apart from KPA100 for K2, you can simply wait for the KXPA100
which can be used for both KX3 and K2 (or other radios).

The performance of K3 and KX3 is quite similar but K3 gives you more operational
convenience. K2 is an analogue radio with through-hole construction. In other
words, you can repair K2 yourself in large extent.

TNX & 73,

Johnny VR2XMC

寄件人︰ Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ Bill Tubbs <[hidden email]>
副本(CC)︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2012年09月12日 (週三) 8:06 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bill,

Your answer will be couched in your operating habits as well as your
wants and needs.
If you are working DX or contesting and need a top notch transceiver, go
for the K3. The K2 is nothing to sneeze at, but the K3 has AM mode, FM
mode, and for those interested includes ESSB - you only need to purchase
the appropriate filters for those modes. If you like to do a bit if
SWLing, the KBPF3 will allow you to tune the K3 like a general coverage
receiver - the K2 is limited to the ham bands.

The K3 adds the possibility of the KRX3 which gives you 2 identical
receivers in the same box. The K2 offers no parallel, but the KX3 Dual
Watch emulates the same thing, but over a limited frequency range.

Yes, sell off your other transceivers - they cannot beat the K2, K3 or
the KX3 for performance. If you want to sell the K2 to get the K3, that
is a good choice, but if the K2 meets all your operating needs except
for the 100 watt option, just order the KPA100 (and maybe the KAT100).

Do I sound biased? Yes, I certainly am. I was an original Field Tester
for the K2 and have been "All Elecraft" (except for my FT-847) since
then. I also do part-time repair work for them, and they treat me quite
well - besides, I really do think they have some of the very best in ham
radio gear out there today, whether it be the legacy K1, K2 or KX1, or
whether it be the latest K3 and KX3.

73,
Don W3FPR
.
On 9/11/2012 7:46 PM, Bill Tubbs wrote:

focus
> on the Elecraft family (I sold my FT-897 and FT-857 gear earlier and am
> preparing to sell my trusty IC-735). In order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft
> rig I've given myself 3 choices:
>
> 1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
> 2. Sell the K2, find more cash, and buy a K3/100.
> 3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).
>
>

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RobertG

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Bill...

I built a K2 with the 100w amp several years ago and early this year got a K3 with
100w amp. I wouldn't part with the K2 for anything short of a financial emergency.
That said, it's like the difference between the bottom and top of the Mercedes-Benz
line: there sure are some significant differences, yet that entry level car is still
a prize all by itself. If you must restrict yourself to just one radio, then probably
best to start investing in the K3. That item has long legs to stay at or near the top
for some time. Concerning the K2, one hears of slowly encroaching problems sourcing
its components. My impression is that the company is doing everything it can to keep
the K2 line moving, and I sure hope that they're successful. Still, the K3 is
probably the money investment at this point. PS - keep the K2 if you can.

...robert

On 9/11/2012 23:46, Bill Tubbs wrote:

> Looking for feedback from you K2 and K3 owners:
>
> I'm fairly new to the Elecraft family, having bought a T1 a few years ago for my
> FT-817, then getting into the Elecraft transceivers earlier this year (finally).
> I now have a KX1, K2, and a KX3. I bought the KX1 and K2 used, but assembled the
> KX3 last month.
>
> I haven't used the KX1 or K2 much, but am having a ball with the KX3. So now I'm
> realizing it just makes sense for me to wean myself off of other rigs and focus
> on the Elecraft family (I sold my FT-897 and FT-857 gear earlier and am
> preparing to sell my trusty IC-735). In order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft
> rig I've given myself 3 choices:
>
> 1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
> 2. Sell the K2, find more cash, and buy a K3/100.
> 3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).
>
> If I upgrade the K2 I'll have spent another $400+ and have a nice rig, but I
> suspect I'll be wondering if I should have held out for a K3. If I go for the
> K3, I really need to sell the K2 to pay for part of it.
>
> I like the idea of owning the top-of-the-line K3 and would likely upgrade it as
> I go along, but I'm thinking I'd have most of what I want with a fully upgraded
> K2 even though I realized there is an awful lot more to the K3.
>
> Has anyone sold their K2 and bought a K3, and if so, any regrets/comments/other
> thoughts?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bill
> WK6A
> KX3 #1216
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Edward R Cole

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by Bill Tubbs, WK6A

From: Bill Tubbs
---snip---
In order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft
rig I've given myself 3 choices:

1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
2. Sell the K2, find more cash,?and buy a K3/100.
3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).
---snip---

Consider a fourth alternative:
4. Sell K2 and buy K3/10 and add KXPA100 which can be used by either K3 or KX3.

Actually the KXPA100 could be used with the K2, also. This does
require you to wait until the KXPA100 is introduced.

I took another path by building an amplifier from a kit that can run
with either K3 or KX3. I have used it with both when checking into
the Sunday Elecraft SSB Net. Details:
http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

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Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Interesting twist, Ed. I'll keep that one in mind. The big ? Here is the unknown cost of the KXPA100.

Regarding the communications concepts amp, I've looked at them off and on for several years but just when I get the thought to buy one I find scores of negative comments about them. I take it yours is working well?

Bill
WK6A

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 11, 2012, at 11:14 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: Bill Tubbs
> ---snip---
> In order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft
> rig I've given myself 3 choices:
>
> 1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
> 2. Sell the K2, find more cash,?and buy a K3/100.
> 3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).
> ---snip---
>
> Consider a fourth alternative:
> 4. Sell K2 and buy K3/10 and add KXPA100 which can be used by either K3 or KX3.
>
> Actually the KXPA100 could be used with the K2, also. This does
> require you to wait until the KXPA100 is introduced.
>
> I took another path by building an amplifier from a kit that can run
> with either K3 or KX3. I have used it with both when checking into
> the Sunday Elecraft SSB Net. Details:
> http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

N0AZZ

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by RobertG

Bill

>From experience this past summer the Elecraft bug seems to be going around
and being passed person to person the CDC has not found a cure YET!

That said I started with buying a partial built K2/100 kit with quite a few
accessories and a KAT100 tuner. Shortly after owning that radio a few months
I bought a very high serial # K3/100 from a gentleman who had it for a spare
for a good price he has my thanks. I was very impressed with the K3 after
using it for a month or 2 and it was fairly basic K3 with only a 2.7 filter
and a couple of options. It came very close to being as good as my current
radio that I had owned for 2 1/2 yrs a FTDX-5000MP and is a base radio. So I
purchased a few more options and several more filters for it and a new
P3/SVGA and installed all of them. The continued testing improved the K3
between the 2 radios till the receive performance was blurred they were so
close you could not tell them apart. That is until band conditions became
very crowded most noted in the lower bands I was hooked that the bad
news.....

Thought I had bought another very late model K3/100F loaded but seller
changed his mind at the last minute and backed out. So I did the only thing
I could think of I went to the Elecraft web site and ordered every option
available for the K3 everything but the second receiver ( a bad mistake and
one I'm taking care of very soon ). When it arrived I thought it would never
get here but finally did I set it up on the bench in place of the other K3
no more room for the moment*.

Started all my comparisons again improvements were noted across the board in
small increments had it hooked to the second transceiver input on my VL-1000
amp so could compare with the push of a button on the same antenna same
signal sane second back and forth making it easy for me. But I was still not
being fair to the K3 I was not an experienced operator and did not know how
to get the most from it so the test was a bit bias.

To make this a very long post shorter the K3/100 is an excellent place to
start for anyone. I opted not to buy the Elecraft Amp and Tuner and ended up
buying both units from Alpha and like Elecraft Alpha's tuner will not ship
till next month.

I mentioned room earlier for both K3's well I have decided to sell my
FTDX-5000MP and downsize somewhat into a SO2R using the K3's and all
microHAM gear. One thing I left out was the K144V it is a very nice 2m radio
in itself have it hooked up to a 350w amp for SSB/Digital modes.

Thanks everyone at Elecraft for their products, support and continued push
for improvement.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Robert G. Strickland
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 11:09 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bill...

I built a K2 with the 100w amp several years ago and early this year got a
K3 with 100w amp. I wouldn't part with the K2 for anything short of a
financial emergency.
That said, it's like the difference between the bottom and top of the
Mercedes-Benz
line: there sure are some significant differences, yet that entry level car
is still a prize all by itself. If you must restrict yourself to just one
radio, then probably best to start investing in the K3. That item has long
legs to stay at or near the top for some time. Concerning the K2, one hears
of slowly encroaching problems sourcing its components. My impression is
that the company is doing everything it can to keep the K2 line moving, and
I sure hope that they're successful. Still, the K3 is probably the money
investment at this point. PS - keep the K2 if you can.

...robert

On 9/11/2012 23:46, Bill Tubbs wrote:
> Looking for feedback from you K2 and K3 owners:
>
> I'm fairly new to the Elecraft family, having bought a T1 a few years
> ago for my FT-817, then getting into the Elecraft transceivers earlier
this year (finally).

> I now have a KX1, K2, and a KX3. I bought the KX1 and K2 used, but
> assembled the
> KX3 last month.
>
> I haven't used the KX1 or K2 much, but am having a ball with the KX3.
> So now I'm realizing it just makes sense for me to wean myself off of
> other rigs and focus on the Elecraft family (I sold my FT-897 and
> FT-857 gear earlier and am preparing to sell my trusty IC-735). In
> order to have a nice 100-watt Elecraft rig I've given myself 3 choices:
>
> 1. Upgrade my K2/10 to a K2/100.
> 2. Sell the K2, find more cash, and buy a K3/100.
> 3. Wait for the KXPA100 for my KX3 (and maybe sell the K2).
>
> If I upgrade the K2 I'll have spent another $400+ and have a nice rig,
> but I suspect I'll be wondering if I should have held out for a K3. If
> I go for the K3, I really need to sell the K2 to pay for part of it.
>
> I like the idea of owning the top-of-the-line K3 and would likely
> upgrade it as I go along, but I'm thinking I'd have most of what I
> want with a fully upgraded
> K2 even though I realized there is an awful lot more to the K3.
>
> Has anyone sold their K2 and bought a K3, and if so, any
> regrets/comments/other thoughts?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bill
> WK6A
> KX3 #1216
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

--
Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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K5WA

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Bill,

I own three K3s, one K2 (sold my second K2 for the third K3 a couple of
years ago) and a K3/0. I would answer your question by asking to you
consider how you use your rigs? If you are a full-blown contester or die
hard DXer, shoot for the K3. If you are a ragchewer, net attendee, light
DXer, casual type operator then I'd stick with the K2 and save yourself some
money. I am primarily interested in SO2R contesting and have had great luck
with the K3 especially when traveling abroad but when I am casually
operating from my home station, it is a real joy to sit down to the K2 and
make contacts realizing I built this little jewel (hard to mess up given
Elecraft's fantastic manuals and clear wording) and it works every time.
Plus, if there is ever a problem, you have the confidence to go into the rig
yourself and make the repair (after a quick consultation with W3FPR, of
course).

Admittedly, I am an Elecraft bigot and have not owned any other rigs since I
replaced a pair of IC-765s with a pair of K2s so my opinion is very biased
but I hope that helps with your decision.

73,
Bob K5WA

Message: 40
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2012 04:08:39 +0000
From: "Robert G. Strickland" <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...
To: [hidden email]
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

> I like the idea of owning the top-of-the-line K3 and would likely upgrade
it as
> I go along, but I'm thinking I'd have most of what I want with a fully
upgraded
> K2 even though I realized there is an awful lot more to the K3.
>
> Has anyone sold their K2 and bought a K3, and if so, any
regrets/comments/other
> thoughts?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bill
> WK6A

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Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Re: Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

Bob,

Although I don't (yet) make use of the plethora of features in most rigs I've had, I still want the capability "just in case." for example, I own a couple if cars that have racing heritage and can easily outperform many other in speed and handling. But the liklihood that I'll take advantage of all that is slim. Still, it's a "feel good" sort of thing.

So even if I never fully understand and use all the capabilities of a K3 it would be nice to have it for whatever I DO use it for.

I think the many responses here and privately have pretty much convinced me to go for a K3. Now it's just a matter of when ;-)

Thanks all!

Bill
WK6A

Sent from my iPhone
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Bill Tubbs, WK6A

Enhanced K2 or basic K3 dilemma...

In reply to this post by K5WA

Looks like a happy ending to this thread. I just ordered a K3 kit and ATU kit, and once it's in play I'll start looking at the options.

Thanks to all for the thoughtful feedback.. it's been very helpful in my decision-making process.

Cheers and 73,
Bill
WK6A

Sent from my iPhone
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