Elecraft

K2 compared to others rigs

Classic

List

Threaded

9 messages Options

Phillip Zminda

K2 compared to others rigs

Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I am a bit disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly when there are strong CW signals on adjacent frequencies. I was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my Corsair II, but wanted to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of selling or trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the $1200 to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up from the Jupiter in receiver performance. Without opening up a can of worms, I'd like to hear some feedback on the IC 746 Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I may have over-looked. What else are you guys using?

Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in getting to know my K2.

Phil N3ZP
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Bill Johnson-10

RE: K2 compared to others rigs

Unless you are willing to spend more than double that, or find a great
bargain, you will be hard pressed to find anything better than the K2 IMHO.
I have a Kenwood TS2000 for xbanding vhf/uhf and back up, but prefer the K2.
If you have the DSP unit, etc., that to me does it all. I am building a 2nd
K2 which will haved the KPA100,etc. My original is a fully equipped QRP
portable radio.

Bill

K9YEQ
-----Original Message-----: [Elecraft] K2 compared to others rigs

Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I am a bit
disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly when there are strong CW
signals on adjacent frequencies. I was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my
Corsair II, but wanted to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of
selling or trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the $1200
to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up from the Jupiter in
receiver performance. Without opening up a can of worms, I'd like to hear
some feedback on the IC 746 Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I
may have over-looked. What else are you guys using?

Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in getting to know my
K2.

Phil N3ZP

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

dave.wilburn

Re: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Phillip Zminda

Having just spent quite a bit of time comparing the rigs in that price
range before I just purchased the K2, I would say you best bet would be
the Ten-Tec Omni

http://www.elecraft.com/K2_perf.htm - performance comparisons between
K2 and other rigs.

http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/020910qex036.pdf - an explanation of
why the simpler designs of the K2 and the Ten-Tec perform so well.

The TS-2000 is a good all around rig, and it would be handy to have, but
especially after using the K2, I think you may be a bit disappointed
with the receiver. It is my understanding that the digital IF filters
are a big help.

The Icom I ended up drifting away from after hearing about quite a few
problems with the backlight on the LCD. But you can see its performance
ratings on the page above also. As I said, I was trying to make a
decision in that price range, and ended up at the K2.

Just think, for half of that, you could build the QRP version, and have
a second receive......

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 #5982

Phil Zminda wrote:

> Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I am a bit disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly when there are strong CW signals on adjacent frequencies. I was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my Corsair II, but wanted to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of selling or trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the $1200 to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up from the Jupiter in receiver performance. Without opening up a can of worms, I'd like to hear some feedback on the IC 746 Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I may have over-looked. What else are you guys using?
>
> Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in getting to know my K2.
>
> Phil N3ZP
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Ken Kopp

Re: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Phillip Zminda

Phil,

If you MUST have another rig in addition to your K2, how about
another K2? (:-))

I have recently sold my FT-1000D that I bought new a number
of years ago. It was a wonderful radio ... some say the best
available ... but recently sold it to fund my loaded K2. I don't
regret the sale. One reason I sold it was it's age and the fact
thyat Yaesu is likely to stop supporting it in the near future.

I currently own an FT-990 / FL-7000 combo and an IC-756
PRO II. The FT-990 combo will be on eBay soon and I'll keep
the PRO II. It's an excellent radio and every bit as good as the
FT-1000D.

How do these radios compare with the K2? The K2 hears at
least as good and sometimes a bit better ... and it's far simpler
to operate. The receiver's "quieter".

I only have one negative comment about the K2. The clock
display is gawd-awful to access. It's several levels deep in the
menu and can only (!) be displayed -IF- you happen to be
using the DSP unit. I'd expect it to be available at the poke of
a key, even for a brief peek to make a log entry. I suppose
there's a good reason it's placed where it is, but it's essentially
useless to me. Maybe I'll have time to learn how to use it one
day, but right now I'm having too much fun on 3536 and 7036!

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
[hidden email]

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

Brett gazdzinski-2

RE: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by dave.wilburn

I have had a couple of 756 pro's, and they are nice radios.
Quite a bargain at about $1500.00. The 756 (non pro) seems
to have had the display problems (lines).
Its quite a sharp looking and working rig.

I cant say I know how they work under battle conditions on CW,
but it seems good for typical use.
I suspect, if you want the best receiver for CW contest type
conditions, the K2 is tops at any price, or real close.

I do love the band scope on the 756 pro.

Its noisy, and on AM and SSB its average quality both transmit and receive,
on par with other of the same type rigs I suppose.

Its easy to use though, lots of knobs and buttons, which is better
than menus I suppose. Its big, heavy, and sucks lots of power.

I have mine mainly for an RF exciter for the big homebrew AM rigs,
and the band scope. I have never actually made a contact with it by
itself, but I listen on it from time to time.

I tell you what, I have had a 756 pro for years now, and never
had any real desire to get on the air with it on any mode.

I am trying to get up to speed with the code so I CAN get on the air
with the K2.

Brett
N2DTS

>
> Having just spent quite a bit of time comparing the rigs in
> that price
> range before I just purchased the K2, I would say you best
> bet would be
> the Ten-Tec Omni
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/K2_perf.htm - performance
> comparisons between
> K2 and other rigs.
>
> http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/020910qex036.pdf - an explanation of
> why the simpler designs of the K2 and the Ten-Tec perform so well.
>
> The TS-2000 is a good all around rig, and it would be handy
> to have, but
> especially after using the K2, I think you may be a bit disappointed
> with the receiver. It is my understanding that the digital
> IF filters
> are a big help.
>
> The Icom I ended up drifting away from after hearing about
> quite a few
> problems with the backlight on the LCD. But you can see its
> performance
> ratings on the page above also. As I said, I was trying to make a
> decision in that price range, and ended up at the K2.
>
> Just think, for half of that, you could build the QRP
> version, and have
> a second receive......
>
> David Wilburn
> [hidden email]
> K4DGW
> K2 #5982
>
>
> Phil Zminda wrote:
> > Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I
> am a bit disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly
> when there are strong CW signals on adjacent frequencies. I
> was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my Corsair II, but wanted
> to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of selling or
> trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the
> $1200 to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up
> from the Jupiter in receiver performance. Without opening up
> a can of worms, I'd like to hear some feedback on the IC 746
> Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I may have
> over-looked. What else are you guys using?
> >
> > Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in
> getting to know my K2.
> >
> > Phil N3ZP
> > _______________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Post to: [hidden email]
> > You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Craig Smith

RE: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Ken Kopp

Phil, the ICOM IC-7000 is in the price range you mentioned. I have one and
think it is a LOT of rig for the money. I operate 95% CW on the low bands,
so can't comment much on the SSB performance. On CW, it is quite capable
with good DSP filtering and a better noise blanker than the K2. Probably
the biggest advantage relative to the K2 is having low bands, 6, 2 and 70 cm
all in one very small box and capable of CW, SSB, FM and AM. Very nice for
portable ops and for the home base if you don't mind doing some menu
surfing. I can recommend it as a second rig.

Even so, my K2 remains my all-time favorite. I love the receiver, the low
power consumption, the two antenna support from the internal tuner, the
receive antenna port on the 160 m option, etc. etc. etc. - not to mention
all the fun of building it!

73
... Craig AC0DS

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

N8LP

Re: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Brett gazdzinski-2

You can have a band scope on the K2. Check out the March/April QEX for
the article on the Z-90 Panadapter kit. Works with most radios, but
integrates particularly well with the K2. You can read the article
online if you don't subscribe. The link is
http://www.arrl.org/qex/2007/03/smith.pdf

You can read even more at www.cliftonlaboratories.com

73,
Larry N8LP

Brett gazdzinski wrote:

> I have had a couple of 756 pro's, and they are nice radios.
> Quite a bargain at about $1500.00. The 756 (non pro) seems
> to have had the display problems (lines).
> Its quite a sharp looking and working rig.
>
> I cant say I know how they work under battle conditions on CW,
> but it seems good for typical use.
> I suspect, if you want the best receiver for CW contest type
> conditions, the K2 is tops at any price, or real close.
>
> I do love the band scope on the 756 pro.
>
> Its noisy, and on AM and SSB its average quality both transmit and receive,
> on par with other of the same type rigs I suppose.
>
> Its easy to use though, lots of knobs and buttons, which is better
> than menus I suppose. Its big, heavy, and sucks lots of power.
>
> I have mine mainly for an RF exciter for the big homebrew AM rigs,
> and the band scope. I have never actually made a contact with it by
> itself, but I listen on it from time to time.
>
> I tell you what, I have had a 756 pro for years now, and never
> had any real desire to get on the air with it on any mode.
>
> I am trying to get up to speed with the code so I CAN get on the air
> with the K2.
>
> Brett
> N2DTS
>
>
>
>> Having just spent quite a bit of time comparing the rigs in
>> that price
>> range before I just purchased the K2, I would say you best
>> bet would be
>> the Ten-Tec Omni
>>
>> http://www.elecraft.com/K2_perf.htm - performance
>> comparisons between
>> K2 and other rigs.
>>
>> http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/020910qex036.pdf - an explanation of
>> why the simpler designs of the K2 and the Ten-Tec perform so well.
>>
>> The TS-2000 is a good all around rig, and it would be handy
>> to have, but
>> especially after using the K2, I think you may be a bit disappointed
>> with the receiver. It is my understanding that the digital
>> IF filters
>> are a big help.
>>
>> The Icom I ended up drifting away from after hearing about
>> quite a few
>> problems with the backlight on the LCD. But you can see its
>> performance
>> ratings on the page above also. As I said, I was trying to make a
>> decision in that price range, and ended up at the K2.
>>
>> Just think, for half of that, you could build the QRP
>> version, and have
>> a second receive......
>>
>> David Wilburn
>> [hidden email]
>> K4DGW
>> K2 #5982
>>
>>
>> Phil Zminda wrote:
>>
>>> Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I
>>>
>> am a bit disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly
>> when there are strong CW signals on adjacent frequencies. I
>> was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my Corsair II, but wanted
>> to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of selling or
>> trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the
>> $1200 to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up
>> from the Jupiter in receiver performance. Without opening up
>> a can of worms, I'd like to hear some feedback on the IC 746
>> Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I may have
>> over-looked. What else are you guys using?
>>
>>> Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in
>>>
>> getting to know my K2.
>>
>>> Phil N3ZP
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>

Jozef Hand-Boniakowski

Re: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Phillip Zminda

I used an Icom IC701 from 1978 thru 2006. A decent radio for its time.
I replaced it with an IC 756 PRO III (Dec 2006) and the new radio blew
the IC701 out of the water. In my opinion the PRO III is a superb
radio. When looking for a new radio I was told to stay away from the
Jupiter. I'm glad I did, but for the price I suspect it is OK. I heard
good things about the IC746, but I wanted more than just a replacement
radio for my IC701. I am not disappointed. In every way, I love he PRO
III. It is, however, more expensive than the IC746, about twice the
price. Ouch. But, I would do it again. Good luck. I just completed
the Elecraft K1 and like it very much also.

Jozef WB2MIC

Phil Zminda wrote:

paolo-37

Re: K2 compared to others rigs

In reply to this post by Phillip Zminda

I own a ProIII since it appeared on the market; before I owned a ProII and
an IC751A.
The ProIII is excellent, (see my review on eham, it is #1 and my tests:
http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic756pro3/i1odp.html ) but recently I did an
extensive test side by side with 2 different Elecraft K2 and on 95% of the
reception of weak and strong signals the K2 won really clearly.
I believe due to a single conversion, the K2 is much more quiet (same
sensibility both receivers).
Only cons is the small size.
We did tests again on IK1AUS and IK1QHB QTH and we confirmed our findings.
IK1QHB bought immediately a K2 100W (he is using a Mark5) and IK1AUS sold
out his excellent IC781 and bought 2 K2s one QRP and one 100W.
IMHO if you want TenTec look at Omni V or Omni VI plus
73'
paul, i1odp

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Zminda" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 4:54 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 compared to others rigs

Now that I've been using my K2 serial # 5719 for a while, I am a bit
disappointed in my Ten-Tec Jupiter, particularly when there are strong CW
signals on adjacent frequencies. I was always a Ten-Tec fan and loved my
Corsair II, but wanted to try a newer design radio. Now, I'm thinking of
selling or trading the Jupiter, but I wonder what's out there in the $1200
to $1500 range (new or used) that might be a step up from the Jupiter in
receiver performance. Without opening up a can of worms, I'd like to hear
some feedback on the IC 746 Pro, Ten-Tec Omni VI, TS-2000 or any others I
may have over-looked. What else are you guys using?

Thanks for this great resource. It's been a great help in getting to know my
K2.

Phil N3ZP
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com