Is the K2 old technology?

[Paul Huff-3]

I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my long-desired
K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:

First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a significant amount of
money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?

Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will Elecraft still be offering
those products for that length of time?

I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to Elecraft, but any opinions
on the first question would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and 73,
Paul - N8XMS

______________________________________________________________
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

[Don Wilhelm-4]

Paul,

I do not believe Elecraft will discontinue the K2 nor its options for
some long time to come.  Yes, the K2 is over 10 years old, but still
going strong.  It is a 'mature' product, which means that there will not
likely be additional updates for it down the road.  You can feel safe
buying the basic K2 and adding options later.  These are not just my
thoughts, they have been confirmed by Wayne and Eric publicly on this
reflector.

A fully loaded K2 will give you most of the features that a basic K3
offers although the K3 offers some nice 'extras' too, so ...
If your final goal is a fully loaded K2 (with all options including the
KDSP2), then you will find the price is comparable with the K3 basic
cost, but if you must do it incrementally due to budget constraints,
then the K2 has a lower entry price.

The K2 is a great performing transceiver all by itself - and it is still
not very far down the list on the Sherwood listings.

I am assuming that you will enjoy building the K2 from its discrete
parts rather than plugging the boards together and assembling the
hardware pieces - the latter is the assembly process for the K3 kit.  If
the building process turns you off, then save up your ham budget dollars
and go for the basic K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

Paul Huff wrote:

> I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my long-desired
> K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:
>
> First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a significant amount of
> money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?
>
> Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
> extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will Elecraft still be offering
> those products for that length of time?
>
> I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to Elecraft, but any opinions
> on the first question would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73,
> Paul - N8XMS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.102/2556 - Release Date: 12/10/09 02:36:00
>
>  

______________________________________________________________
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

[Ivin Flint]

Paul

I just got a K2 early this summer.  It was quite a stretch for what I am able to spend on ham radio.  I sold a Icom 703 to fund part of the purchase. I have been able to add some nice options this year just one extra at a time.  I'm waiting on an auto tuner right now.  A K3 just isn't affordable for me though I wish I could play at that level.

I think I have gone though the same purchasing feeling as your are afraid of.  Much of it comes from the fact this reflector seems to be 95% K3 talk.(understandable because it is still very new)  Another has been when I call Elecraft to order something they start my puchase conversation assuming I am inquiring about a K3 or something about a K3.  I have to stop the conversation quickly and clearly tell them about what I am ordering is for a K2.(this does nothing to make me feel I am spending my money very well)  Last point is the Elecraft web site calls the K2 "K2 Classic HF Transceiver Kit".  "Classic" brings to mind antique.  The Heathkit HW-8 is a classic (but in no way compares to the sophistication of a K2.) I think the word "classic" is a poor choice for marketing a current rig.    

I keep in mind, however, that comparing the most recent QRP radios that are or were on the market by any other company I can think of, the K2 holds better in performance and similar in being a current manufacturing begin date. The Reflector history is a great resource and you will still get your questions answered if you ask.  I just looked up the word "classic in my dictionary and I find it's definition as "a. Of highest rank or class  b. Serving as the established model or standard ""a classic example""."

My K2 is my "do everything" QRP radio.  It is fantastic both on my desk and out with me backpacking.  The more I use it the more I LOVE it!  I plan to keep adding options as I can and will enjoy it for a very long time.  HECK!  I am even feeling better now about the word "Classic".  

Remember ham radio isn't A radio, it is an experience.  So.....

Go For It Paul and enjoy the ride.  It's GREAT!  
 
Ivin W9ILF

 

--- On Thu, 12/10/09, Paul Huff <[hidden email]> wrote:

> From: Paul Huff <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Is the K2 old technology?
> To: [hidden email]
> Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 4:20 PM
> I think that I have finally saved up
> enough money to purchase my long-desired
> K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to
> hesitate:
>
> First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a
> significant amount of
> money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?
>
> Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2
> and plan on adding the
> extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will
> Elecraft still be offering
> those products for that length of time?
>
> I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to
> Elecraft, but any opinions
> on the first question would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73,
> Paul - N8XMS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

     
______________________________________________________________
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

[Julian, G4ILO]

Paul Huff-3 wrote

I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my long-desired
K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:

First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a significant amount of
money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?

Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will Elecraft still be offering
those products for that length of time?

Glad to say, ham radio does not suffer the obsolescence of consumer electronics. The bands are more or less the same, the modes are the same. The K2 is a compact, lightweight, portable transceiver with low power consumption that you can build yourself. None of that is going to change. What might cause it eventually to become "obsolete" are things outside Elecraft's control, like the discontinuation of key parts for which there are no alternatives.

[Johnny Siu]

Hello Paul,

I would like to add some of my views.

K2 is a radio which is actually serviceable by yourself.  It is still one of the best radio for field day and portable operation.  Bearing in mind, the standby current of K2 could be as low as 180mA which is lower than that of K3.

Don is correct that if you eventually go for a fully loaded K2, then you better go for a K3/10.

Commerically speaking, K2 is a mature product and most of its R&D costs have already been fully recovered.  K2 is in fact a cash cow to Elecraft with nearly no additional need for maintenance.  There is currently not much point for them to discontinue K2.  Trust me, Elecraft is a very clever business organisation.

If you take a closer look of the components used in K2, there are really not many parts irreplaceable.  Even without the supply from Elecraft, you can easily get close substitutes.  Therefore, I have no worries about the discontinuity (if it is the case).

Apart from budget, ask yourself what you really want?  If more than 50% is for portable and field day, I would choose K2.  On the other hand, if you prefer more station use, I would suggest a basic K3/10.  K3 is all mode and has 6m.  Its DSP is far better than the KDSP2. 

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC



----- 郵件原件 ----
寄件人﹕ Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ Paul Huff <[hidden email]>
副本(CC) [hidden email]
傳送日期﹕ 2009/12/11 (五) 8:46:26 AM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] Is the K2 old technology?

Paul,

I do not believe Elecraft will discontinue the K2 nor its options for
some long time to come.  Yes, the K2 is over 10 years old, but still
going strong.  It is a 'mature' product, which means that there will not
likely be additional updates for it down the road.  You can feel safe
buying the basic K2 and adding options later.  These are not just my
thoughts, they have been confirmed by Wayne and Eric publicly on this
reflector.

A fully loaded K2 will give you most of the features that a basic K3
offers although the K3 offers some nice 'extras' too, so ...
If your final goal is a fully loaded K2 (with all options including the
KDSP2), then you will find the price is comparable with the K3 basic
cost, but if you must do it incrementally due to budget constraints,
then the K2 has a lower entry price.

The K2 is a great performing transceiver all by itself - and it is still
not very far down the list on the Sherwood listings.

I am assuming that you will enjoy building the K2 from its discrete
parts rather than plugging the boards together and assembling the
hardware pieces - the latter is the assembly process for the K3 kit.  If
the building process turns you off, then save up your ham budget dollars
and go for the basic K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

Paul Huff wrote:

> I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my long-desired
> K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:
>
> First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a significant amount of
> money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?
>
> Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
> extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will Elecraft still be offering
> those products for that length of time?
>
> I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to Elecraft, but any opinions
> on the first question would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73,
> Paul - N8XMS

      Yahoo!香港提供網上安全攻略，教你如何防範黑客! 請前往 http://hk.promo.yahoo.com/security/ 了解更多!

______________________________________________________________
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

[RobertG]

Paul...

I have owned a K2 for about three years now. It replaced an FT990. Is is
fully loaded [NB, SSB, DSP & AMP].

I'm not an expert on "state of the art," but do have some subjective
comments. It's a great little rig. I'm completely pleased with it. I
bought it specifically for its performance and the "build it yourself"
mojo. Even if I never used it, the fun of building it was super. I
tinker around with it constantly, which, aside from menu programing in
the K3, one can't really do with the K3 at the hardware level. It
clearly doesn't have lots of the bells and whistles of the K3, and if
such is important to you, or you have some specific need/interest, then
the K3 may be what you want. But, the raw receiver in the K2 is almost
as good as it gets; the general operation is certainly acceptable; and,
with add-ons it pretty much does whatever I ask it to do. I'd buy a K3
if money were no object, but for me the investment of another $2K plus
wouldn't result in a corresponding increment in performance. Hope you
find the right choice for you. Either way, Elecraft is the company of
choice, and in that respect you won't/can't go wrong with either rig.

Happy Holidays.

...robert

Paul Huff wrote:

> I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my long-desired
> K2.  But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:
>
> First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"?  Am I spending a significant amount of
> money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?
>
> Second,  I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
> extras to it over the next couple of years.  Will Elecraft still be offering
> those products for that length of time?
>
> I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to Elecraft, but any opinions
> on the first question would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance and 73,
> Paul - N8XMS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
______________________________________________________________
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

[Gary Hvizdak]

On Thu Dec 10 19:20:41 EST 2009 Paul Huff (N8XMS) wrote...

... I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the
extras to it over the next couple of years...

Hi Paul,

    Congratulations in advance of your K2 purchase.  You were very wise to
post your question on the Reflector so folks could offer you suggestions.

    My first suggestion would be to check out <http://www.unpcbs.com/>.
This site offers two aftermarket K2 accessories that will make it lots
easier (and safer) to add the options of you choice when that time comes.

    The cost of these aftermarket accessories is trivial in comparison to
the value they provide.

73 & Happy Holidays,
Gary  KI4GGX
(unpcbs.com webmaster)


______________________________________________________________
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

[Tom KG3V]

Paul,

I see you got some good answers but just wanted to add some of my  
experience. If you are interested in building a kit you can not beat the  
K2. K3 is a great radio but is not really a kit. The K2 you build starting  
from a box of parts. One of the greatest things about the K2 kit is that  
there are almost no wires, so you are not building wiring harnesses (which  
I do not consider to be fun). You are building boards and building up the  
chassis. If there was a K3 kit that started with a bag of parts, there  
would be no decision to make, but that is not the case.

If you mainly want a CW rig, I don't see how you could need anything more.  
BUT if you want mainly a SSB rig, I would suggest you consider the K3  
instead. K2 works fine on SSB, but some of the creature comforts could be  
better.

As far as the reflector, some of us urged Elecraft to separate the K2 and  
K3 lists in some way, but they have opted not to do so. As a result, this  
is not the resource it used to be for a K2 owner. You can still get ALL  
your questions answered here, so don't get me wrong, but you will drown in  
K3 trivia if you just monitor the list, and there is no easy way to receive  
only K2-related threads that I know of.

Go for the K2 and enjoy it.

Tom KG3V

On Dec 10, 2009 7:20pm, Paul Huff <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I think that I have finally saved up enough money to purchase my  
> long-desired

> K2. But there are two thoughts that cause me to hesitate:



> First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"? Am I spending a significant amount  
> of

> money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete?



> Second, I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 and plan on adding the

> extras to it over the next couple of years. Will Elecraft still be  
> offering

> those products for that length of time?



> I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to Elecraft, but any  
> opinions

> on the first question would be appreciated.



> Thanks in advance and 73,

> Paul - N8XMS



> ______________________________________________________________

> 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

______________________________________________________________
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

[TR K2 #838]

Dear Tom & the list,

At 02:35 AM 12/14/2009 +0000, you wrote:

>As far as the reflector, some of us urged Elecraft to separate the K2 and
>K3 lists in some way, but they have opted not to do so. As a result, this
>is not the resource it used to be for a K2 owner. You can still get ALL
>your questions answered here, so don't get me wrong, but you will drown in
>K3 trivia if you just monitor the list, and there is no easy way to receive
>only K2-related threads that I know of.

I use Eudora 7 Mail Client, and believe others may have some of the
same abilities.

I set the filters to look for K3 in the subject or in the body, and
if so it goes in the trash as read.
K2 is the next filter so it puts those in the Elecraft mailbox.
Those that don't have K3 or K2 go in the In mailbox.

It isn't a foolproof system, but it really helps me seperate out the
K3 messages.

TR, WB6TMY

______________________________________________________________
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

[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

You might try reading the list on Nabble, where the K2 and K3 posts are separated.
Posts originating from the K2 forum on Nabble start with [K2] and are in the K2 forum there.
Posts that come from the mailing list eventually migrate to the K2 forum with a day or so, but won't have K2 in the subject line unless the author puts it there.

See http://n2.nabble.com/K2-f365793.html for the K2-only messages.

The general Elecraft messages remain in http://n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-f365791.html and those are relevant to K2 owners as well, as are some of the other sections (mini-modules and other small-sized products, Ham related stuff, etc.)

Leigh/WA5ZNU

KG3VTomZ wrote

Paul,


As far as the reflector, some of us urged Elecraft to separate the K2 and  
K3 lists in some way, but they have opted not to do so. As a result, this  
is not the resource it used to be for a K2 owner. You can still get ALL  
your questions answered here, so don't get me wrong, but you will drown in  
K3 trivia if you just monitor the list, and there is no easy way to receive  
only K2-related threads that I know of.

[Tom KG3V]

Leigh,

Thanks for the suggestion. I am trying the Nabble approach and I like what I see. This may be the way for me to get what I want out of the list. I mainly want to see all K2-related postings but I also like to see other Elecraft messages at times of my choosing.

73,

Tom, KG3V

Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU wrote

You might try reading the list on Nabble, where the K2 and K3 posts are separated.
Posts originating from the K2 forum on Nabble start with [K2] and are in the K2 forum there.
Posts that come from the mailing list eventually migrate to the K2 forum with a day or so, but won't have K2 in the subject line unless the author puts it there.

See http://n2.nabble.com/K2-f365793.html for the K2-only messages.

The general Elecraft messages remain in http://n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-f365791.html and those are relevant to K2 owners as well, as are some of the other sections (mini-modules and other small-sized products, Ham related stuff, etc.)

Leigh/WA5ZNU

KG3VTomZ wrote

Paul,


As far as the reflector, some of us urged Elecraft to separate the K2 and  
K3 lists in some way, but they have opted not to do so. As a result, this  
is not the resource it used to be for a K2 owner. You can still get ALL  
your questions answered here, so don't get me wrong, but you will drown in  
K3 trivia if you just monitor the list, and there is no easy way to receive  
only K2-related threads that I know of.

[DaveVK]

Hi Paul,

I have had my K2 on air since 2004 and when I purchased other radios such as the PROII I have had to sell them because I prefer the sound of the little K2, and it's performance is as good if not better.  

You won't be disappointed if you go the K2 route.  It can be frustrating if the construction and alignment process goes astray, but if you can resolve them then it can be a very satisfying and liberating experience.

I have learned so much about radios from building my K2.  

Yet in saying all this I still suffer from hamsyndrome of other radios.  Just remember the old saying that all that glitters is not gold.

Regards,

Dave
VK2NA