K2 / 10 watts & DX.

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K2 / 10 watts & DX.

Darwin, Keith
OK, I need to redeem myself for my prior "snotty" remark (sorry, bad
pun) so how about some on-topic info.
 
I've been wondering about the K2's viability as a main rig.  The RX has
clearly proven itself as being fabulous.  Well, a notch filter would be
nice, but other than that I'm pretty happy with it.  But is 10 watts,
give or take, enough?  I decided to chase some DX to find out.
 
My first attempt was to answer a G-lander calling CQ.  He paused, gave a
QRZ, and after I called him a 2nd time, resumed his CQ.  Starting to
feel like my old QRP days.
 
A few KHz up the band was an EA8 calling CQ.  I answered.  He came back
and gave me a 559.  Nice.  We finished and another EA station called ME
on the freq.  Wow, HE CALLED ME!  Must be the mojo!  After that I worked
a SN station first try.
 
All this was on 40 meters an hour or so before sunset.  The antenna is a
ground mounted vertical (28') with 16 buried radials and a tuner in the
garage.  No yagi at 60 feet, no wire beam or phased vertical array, just
something most hams are able to put up,
 
So it looks like this little rig works just fine for getting into Europe
on CW.  Maybe I don't need that 100 watt PA as badly as I thought I did!
 
- Keith KD1E -
- K2 5411 -
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