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K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

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Martin Sole

K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

Dear all,

I have been offered an unbuilt K2 kit. So far as I know it is somewhere
in the 3000 series of serial numbers, maybe around 3500 if I remember
what the guy said. I am interested to know how far this would differ
from the latest radio and what steps I might need to take to ensure peak
performance and compatibility, if any. Can I buy an upgrade kit to the
latest version?

I will save about $100 on a current K2 kit price, not sure if that
represents value for the vintage or not.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Martin, HS0ZED

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Dave, G4AON

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

Martin

See: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K2%20Parts

Other than the key click modification for $19, most 3000+ serial number
kits will have all the new features.

The issue of possibly saving $100 off the price of a new kit is
something only you can decide.

73 Dave, G4AON
K1 #1154, K2 #1892, K3???
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Dave, G4AON

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

In reply to this post by Martin Sole

Oops forgot the upgrade to firmware needed for the keying mod, that adds
another $44. The $100 saving is looking poor value!

Dave
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David Pratt-2

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

In reply to this post by Martin Sole

In a recent message, Martin Sole <[hidden email]> wrote ...
>I have been offered an unbuilt K2 kit. So far as I know it is somewhere
>in the 3000 series of serial numbers, maybe around 3500 if I remember
>what the guy said. I am interested to know how far this would differ
>from the latest radio and what steps I might need to take to ensure
>peak performance and compatibility, if any. Can I buy an upgrade kit to
>the latest version?
>
>I will save about $100 on a current K2 kit price, not sure if that
>represents value for the vintage or not.

Go for it, Martin. If you can talk him down another $50, all the
better. There's no better experience than building your own K2.

73
--
David G4DMP
Leeds, England, UK
------

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Joe-aa4nn

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

In reply to this post by Dave, G4AON

More than that, consider the rig willl need all firmware chips
depending on options, of course. I'd buy a new key myself
and be done with it. $100 saving is not a $100 savings in
this case.
de Joe, aa4nn

> Oops forgot the upgrade to firmware needed for the keying mod, that adds
> another $44. The $100 saving is looking poor value!
>
>
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dj7mgq

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

Hallo,

I'd like to point out that even if the rig does not the very latest
modes & updates, the K2 at the sn #3500 point was very usable. Back in
the days of my first K2 (#885) the firmware was good.

If Martin can buy a K2 (built or as a kit) locally in Thailand, he would
save on stuff like customs, import taxes and international shipping,
which might be a tidy sum of money.

If not, then a new kit with the Elecraft warranty would be well worth
considering.

vy 73 de toby

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Martin Sole

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

In reply to this post by Martin Sole

Thanks for 'all' the very interesting replies, lots of them, I get
pileups like that when I call CQ :-) .

About a 50/50 split for the do it vs don't do it camps though I forgot
to add, until somebody mentioned it here, about the tax. A new kit would
not attract duty but would attract VAT at 7% so my saving is now much
closer to $150.

I appreciate the warranty info, good to know. It also means something to
me to build it. I was too young to be a part of the Heathkit experience.
Oh yeah and I can pick it up tomorrow which unless you live next door to
the company has to be the best ever shipping deal 8-) .

Many thanks

Martin, HS0ZED

Martin Sole wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> I have been offered an unbuilt K2 kit. So far as I know it is
> somewhere in the 3000 series of serial numbers, maybe around 3500 if I
> remember what the guy said. I am interested to know how far this would
> differ from the latest radio and what steps I might need to take to
> ensure peak performance and compatibility, if any. Can I buy an
> upgrade kit to the latest version?
>
> I will save about $100 on a current K2 kit price, not sure if that
> represents value for the vintage or not.
>
> Thoughts and opinions appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Martin, HS0ZED
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
>

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K2 new builder (maybe) need historical info

In reply to this post by Martin Sole

Martin,

It is easy to bring that kit up to the current level. You will need
only the Temperature Compensated PLL (thermistor mod) E850138, the
Keying Waveshape change K2KEYMDKT, updated firmware K2FWMCIO and 2
1N4148 diodes to add to that kit and bring it up to the current level.

If you decide the price difference is worthwhile, I suggest you purchase
it and order the parts above, download the latest manual and build from
the new manual instructions.

73,
Don W3FPR

Martin Sole wrote: