Here we go ... stupid newbie questions ...

[Darwin, Keith]

Hey guys,
 
I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the hobby.  I'm
interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP).  Do I
need to get them all at once or can I build a basic radio and add the
options at a later time (I assume I can).
 
Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?
I think I've heard of folks combining the 100 watt PA and the 100 watt
ATU into a single box to make a nifty pair of base station boots.
 
How often do used K2 rigs come up for sale?  Do they usually fetch more
than kit price or less?
 
How does K2 compare to the TenTec Argonaut V?
 
73!
 
- Keith -
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[W2AGN]

Darwin, Keith wrote:
> Hey guys,
>  
> I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the hobby.  I'm
> interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP).  Do I
> need to get them all at once or can I build a basic radio and add the
> options at a later time (I assume I can).

Yes

>  
> Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?
> I think I've heard of folks combining the 100 watt PA and the 100 watt
> ATU into a single box to make a nifty pair of base station boots.
Yes

>  
> How often do used K2 rigs come up for sale?  Do they usually fetch more
> than kit price or less?

Fairly frequently. There is one on that unameable auction place right
now (K2/100)

>  
> How does K2 compare to the TenTec Argonaut V?

Performance wise, the K2 runs rings around the Argo V (I have both). See
http://w2agn.net/argoV.html

>  
> 73!
>  

--
    _     _     _     _     _
   / \   / \   / \   / \   / \   John L. Sielke
  ( W ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ( G ) ( N )  http://w2agn.net
   \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/   \_/
"CRUSTY OLD CURMUDGEON - AND PROUD OF IT!"


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[Bob Nielsen]

On Oct 4, 2005, at 11:48 AM, Darwin, Keith wrote:

> Hey guys,
>
> I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the  
> hobby.  I'm
> interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP).  Do I
> need to get them all at once or can I build a basic radio and add the
> options at a later time (I assume I can).

Yes, although if you have the options, installing the connectors at  
the time of the initial build may ease things.  Particularly with the  
160RX board, which requires removing the final transistors from the  
lower panel heat sink.

> Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a  
> linear?
> I think I've heard of folks combining the 100 watt PA and the 100 watt
> ATU into a single box to make a nifty pair of base station boots.

See <http://www.kk7p.com/k2kpa100.html>.

> How often do used K2 rigs come up for sale?  Do they usually fetch  
> more
> than kit price or less?

Fairly often on this list.  The price seems to vary a lot.  Of  
course, going this route means you will miss the joy of building a K2  
(which has resulted in many hams selling one so they can build another).

73, Bob N7XY

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[Chuck Gehring]

Keith Darwin, wrote:

> I've been QRT for several years and am getting back into the hobby.  I'm interested in a K2 with only a few options (SSB, NB, 100, DSP)... Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?...
> How does K2 compare to the TenTec Argonaut V?


Keith,
I am a really new Ham.  I got my Tech Plus in 1996, then without ever touching a radio upgraded
to General in Nov 2003.  My first radio was the Ten Tec 516 Argonaut V with the TCXO.  My very
first time on the air with anything other than a CB (and we don't need to talk about that) was
Feb 2004.  Things I love about the Argonaut V.  I like having 100 programmable memories, the
QSK is fantastic, General Coverage Receiver, and I didn't need any extra filters or
modifications to get on the air.  Things I don't like about the Argonaut V, it takes a lot of
power and not well suited for field operations.

I got into Ham Radio for CW operations.  I have been 100% CW from day one.  I had such a great
time with my Argonaut at home I decided to buy a KX1 for field operations.  I was so impressed
with the KX1 and had such great fun building and operating with it I bought a K2.  

I wish my K2 had more memories but then I could always hook it up to a computer.  I started out
with a basic K2 and then added the KNB2 Noise Blanker, KAT2 Antenna Tuner, K160RX, KIO2, KBT2
KDSP2 and KAF2 real time clock.  This kit building thing is very addictive, and while I don't
use it I installed the KSB2 for SSB.  I even got really froggy and built the KPA100 and mounted
it in a remote KAT100 Auto tuner.  Effectively I have a great K2 QRP rig that is remoted for
QRO operations and I can quickly disconnect and take it to the field.  I have run my K2 side by
side with my Argonaut V switching back and forth to the same antenna.  The differences to my
NOVICE ear are very subtle.  

With all of that said the KDSP2 on my K2 is hands down the best addition to my K2 and lets me
copy stuff that I would never be able to filter out on with my Argonaut V.  I will not be
getting rid of my Argonaut V any time soon, it is a great rig.  My K2 is and will remain my
main rig.  Currently my Argonaut V is on loan to my Dad who has also been QRT for several
years.  As soon as he finishes building his K1, I will get my Ten Tec back.  

As for the K2 mods, build the basic K2 and add the mods later after the basic rig is working.  
Building it and operating it has been absolutely fantastic.  The Elecraft Reflector has been my
proxy Elmer, and the customer support from Elecraft during the build is the best.  
If your interested I have a small web page that shows my shack and some projects, http://tinyurl.com/dy8g6 
If I could only have one radio it would without a doubt be my K2.

I hope that helps
73 KI4DGH
Chuck Gehring
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[John Lonigro]

Keith:

Just so you aren't misled, the 100 Watt PA CAN indeed go into a separate
enclosure and serve as a linear, but ONLY for a K2.  It CANNOT be used
as a general purpose linear for any other rig.

I wasn't sure this point has been made yet.

73's,

John AA0VE

>Keith Darwin, wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Can the 100 watt PA go into a separate enclosure and serve as a linear?..
>>    
>>
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