Elecraft › [OT]

Taken the plunge!

Classic

List

Threaded

13 messages Options

EMD

Taken the plunge!

Well I have officially taken the plunge and ordered a K2 today. After much consideration about how to configure my K2 I decided that I will make a QRP version. With an SSB, DSP, internal tuner options. I'm not sure what else I might need. I was thinking about going the 100 watt option but I decided that when I want more power that will be when I order a K3. I have already made the SSB mod but still need to add the torrids which I have not ordered yet. So this will be a long process due to work and family requirements but I'm excited to be getting started soon. I know I will have many questions and I would like to thank all of you who will spend their time answering them in advance. 73, Ed ke7hga

Leroy

Re: Taken the plunge!

You will not be disappointed. Just last night I worked 160 meter Delaware
and Kentucky, QRP 10 watt SSB to 10 watt SSB, and many other QRO stations.
I can work any state on 160 with 5 watt CW. Astonishes the Big guns. Its
all about antennas anyway.

Roy, AB7CE, Montana, K2 serial number 40

-----Original Message-----
From: EMD
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:35 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Taken the plunge!

Well I have officially taken the plunge and ordered a K2 today. After much
consideration about how to configure my K2 I decided that I will make a QRP
version. With an SSB, DSP, internal tuner options. I'm not sure what else
I might need. I was thinking about going the 100 watt option but I decided
that when I want more power that will be when I order a K3. I have already
made the SSB mod but still need to add the torrids which I have not ordered
yet.

So this will be a long process due to work and family requirements but I'm
excited to be getting started soon. I know I will have many questions and I
would like to thank all of you who will spend their time answering them in
advance.

73, Ed
ke7hga

--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p5974140.html
Sent from the [OT] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
______________________________________________________________
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

Jerry Muller

Re: Taken the plunge!

What I just don't understand is why QRP operators have to sign "/QRP" after
their callsigns when in a contest. It takes longer and the guy on the other
end has to copy not only their call (often QRP stations are weak anyway),
but the "/QRP" as well. I too am astonished when I work some EU station
running 1 watt and he's 20 over, but like you said, it's all antennas. W1MJ
made top ten in CW Sweepstakes from here a few years ago. Besides the fact
that Eliot is a SUPER operator, my 4 element 40 didn't hurt any :-)

BTW, I'm a new K3 owner. It's the best RX I've ever owned and I've owned a
few real good ones (Orion and Collins 75S3C). Congrats to the guys at
Elecraft for a super rig!

73, Jerry - K0TV
Not a real zero, I just play one on K0TV

----- Original Message -----
From: "Leroy Marion" <[hidden email]>
To: "EMD" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 9:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Taken the plunge!

> You will not be disappointed. Just last night I worked 160 meter Delaware
> and Kentucky, QRP 10 watt SSB to 10 watt SSB, and many other QRO stations.
> I can work any state on 160 with 5 watt CW. Astonishes the Big guns. Its
> all about antennas anyway.
>
> Roy, AB7CE, Montana, K2 serial number 40
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: EMD
> Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:35 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Taken the plunge!
>
>
> Well I have officially taken the plunge and ordered a K2 today. After
> much
> consideration about how to configure my K2 I decided that I will make a
> QRP
> version. With an SSB, DSP, internal tuner options. I'm not sure what
> else
> I might need. I was thinking about going the 100 watt option but I
> decided
> that when I want more power that will be when I order a K3. I have
> already
> made the SSB mod but still need to add the torrids which I have not
> ordered
> yet.
>
> So this will be a long process due to work and family requirements but I'm
> excited to be getting started soon. I know I will have many questions and
> I
> would like to thank all of you who will spend their time answering them in
> advance.
>
> 73, Ed
> ke7hga
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p5974140.html
> Sent from the [OT] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

______________________________________________________________
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

g3ymc

Re: Taken the plunge!

There is no 'have to' about it. Many, in fact probably most, QRP
operators do not add /QRP to their callsigns. It is questionable
whether it is legal under most amateur licences anyway.

I have been using my K2 at 5W for nearly 9 years now and have worked
all sorts of DX. I never use /QRP when calling, but usually mention it
when I tell the other station what my rig is. I say to people who sign
/QRP that I always get 599 reports, but they will probably get a 559 or
less. It achieves nothing.

You will be very happy with your K2, it continues to be an excellent
choice of rig despite many now having upgraded to the K3.

73 Dave G3YMC

On 30 Jan 2011 at 9:49, Jerry Muller wrote:

> What I just don't understand is why QRP operators have to sign "/QRP"
> after their callsigns when in a contest. It takes longer and the guy on
> the other end has to copy not only their call (often QRP stations are
> weak anyway), but the "/QRP" as well. I too am astonished when I work
> some EU station running 1 watt and he's 20 over, but like you said, it's
> all antennas. W1MJ made top ten in CW Sweepstakes from here a few years
> ago. Besides the fact that Eliot is a SUPER operator, my 4 element 40
> didn't hurt any :-)

http://www.davesergeant.com

______________________________________________________________
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

daleputnam

Re: Taken the plunge!

I'm in upload mode, from the 160 test, where there are over 250 Qs in the log, with over 50 mults, for 9 hours of play,
and not nary a one of those Qs had me signing /QRP, even when the PJ2 that called me. There may have been one or two ops that
gave me their /qrp.. but I pretty much ignored it. However, after many hours of using the K2, I must admit it still amazes me, in its ability to allow me to hear the weak signals, some were qrp, some weren't, but when the S meter, agc, or any other indication that there may be a signal to be heard is telling you "nothing there" but your ears hear it, and copy it, and a Q goes into the log.. That is a very good receiver.
I'm also impressed with the number of K3s being used during the contest. And you say, how's that? Easy, as a ruff estimate, not very many other rx will settle in as close as a K3, and run.. as close to other strong stations.. then still hear the weak ones.. K3 or K2? Who cares..?? as long as they hear well, and don't sign /QRP.

--... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy

> There is no 'have to' about it. Many, in fact probably most, QRP
> operators do not add /QRP to their callsigns. It is questionable
> whether it is legal under most amateur licences anyway.
>
>
> You will be very happy with your K2, it continues to be an excellent
> choice of rig despite many now having upgraded to the K3.
>

______________________________________________________________
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

AC7AC

Re: Taken the plunge!

In reply to this post by g3ymc

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy

Re: Taken the plunge!

In reply to this post by EMD

Hello Ed,

Well done!! When you can get your K2 up and running, I am certain that you
will find it to be a lot of fun to use and to be a great "DX Machine" in a
small box!

73,

Geoff
GM4ESD

On Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 08:35Z, Ed KE7HGA wrote:

> Well I have officially taken the plunge and ordered a K2 today. After
> much
> consideration about how to configure my K2 I decided that I will make a
> QRP
> version. With an SSB, DSP, internal tuner options. I'm not sure what
> else
> I might need. I was thinking about going the 100 watt option but I
> decided
> that when I want more power that will be when I order a K3. I have
> already
> made the SSB mod but still need to add the torrids which I have not
> ordered
> yet.
>
> So this will be a long process due to work and family requirements but I'm
> excited to be getting started soon. I know I will have many questions and
> I
> would like to thank all of you who will spend their time answering them in
> advance.
>
> 73, Ed
> ke7hga

EMD

Re: Taken the plunge!

Hello Geoff,

Thanks! I have been putting a K2 off for some time now but I am glad that I have ordered one and am looking forward to getting started. It will not be an elaborate set up as far as antenna's go due to local restrictions but I really like the idea of be portable anyway.

73, Ed
ke7hga

On 1/30/11 3:14 PM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy [via Elecraft] wrote:

Hello Ed,

Well done!! When you can get your K2 up and running, I am certain that you
will find it to be a lot of fun to use and to be a great "DX Machine" in a
small box!

73,

Geoff
GM4ESD

On Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 08:35Z, Ed KE7HGA wrote:

> Well I have officially taken the plunge and ordered a K2 today. After
> much
> consideration about how to configure my K2 I decided that I will make a
> QRP
> version. With an SSB, DSP, internal tuner options. I'm not sure what
> else
> I might need. I was thinking about going the 100 watt option but I
> decided
> that when I want more power that will be when I order a K3. I have
> already
> made the SSB mod but still need to add the torrids which I have not
> ordered
> yet.
>
> So this will be a long process due to work and family requirements but I'm
> excited to be getting started soon. I know I will have many questions and
> I
> would like to thank all of you who will spend their time answering them in
> advance.
>
> 73, Ed
> ke7hga

______________________________________________________________
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

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p5975316.html

To unsubscribe from Taken the plunge!, click here.

EMD

Re: Taken the plunge!

Elecrafters,

Okay K2 #7109 was delivered today. I'm going to take my time and follow as best I can all the excellent advice I have received from many of you on the reflector, starting with a parts inventory.

I was thinking of using the little plastic left over containers that I have been saving. I'm dealing with limited space so that way I can stack them and keep them sealed when not using that particular parts group.

So I'm ready to get started.

73, Ed
KE7HGA

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Taken the plunge!

Ed,

Congratulations, and enjoy building it. Follow the instructions "to the
letter" and do a good job of soldering -- it will work and serve you well.

Be aware that many plastics can gather static charges, so don't put
active devices (ICs, transistors, diodes, etc) in them - if the part is
shipped in black foam or the transistors in an anti-static bag (the pink
ones), leave it there until you are ready to use it. - Alternately, you
can remove the socket from the black foam and use the space to stick the
transistors into the foam.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/8/2011 2:21 PM, EMD wrote:

> Elecrafters,
>
> Okay K2 #7109 was delivered today. I'm going to take my time and follow as
> best I can all the excellent advice I have received from many of you on the
> reflector, starting with a parts inventory.
>
> I was thinking of using the little plastic left over containers that I have
> been saving. I'm dealing with limited space so that way I can stack them
> and keep them sealed when not using that particular parts group.
>
> So I'm ready to get started.
>

EMD

Re: Taken the plunge!

Don,

Thanks for the advice. I will leave the ESD parts as they are. I was mainly going to use the plastic containers for other items like capacitors, resistors and misc hardware that can be misplaced. In your experience what should I concentrate on the parts inventory?

73,
Ed KE7HGA

On 2/8/11 3:40 PM, Don Wilhelm-4 [via Elecraft] wrote:

Ed,

Congratulations, and enjoy building it. Follow the instructions "to the
letter" and do a good job of soldering -- it will work and serve you well.

Be aware that many plastics can gather static charges, so don't put
active devices (ICs, transistors, diodes, etc) in them - if the part is
shipped in black foam or the transistors in an anti-static bag (the pink
ones), leave it there until you are ready to use it. - Alternately, you
can remove the socket from the black foam and use the space to stick the
transistors into the foam.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/8/2011 2:21 PM, EMD wrote:

> Elecrafters,
>
> Okay K2 #7109 was delivered today. I'm going to take my time and follow as
> best I can all the excellent advice I have received from many of you on the
> reflector, starting with a parts inventory.
>
> I was thinking of using the little plastic left over containers that I have
> been saving. I'm dealing with limited space so that way I can stack them
> and keep them sealed when not using that particular parts group.
>
> So I'm ready to get started.
>
______________________________________________________________
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

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p6005415.html

To unsubscribe from Taken the plunge!, click here.

Bob K6UJ

Re: Taken the plunge!

In reply to this post by EMD

Ed,

Be especially vigilant about screw type/lengths during assembly. Some are very similar.
Otherwise you will discover later during the assembly that the wrong screws were used
on something and you have to go back and make the correction. Ask me how I know this, hi,hi.
Congratulations on your new K3 !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On Feb 8, 2011, at 11:21 AM, EMD wrote:

>
> Elecrafters,
>
> Okay K2 #7109 was delivered today. I'm going to take my time and follow as
> best I can all the excellent advice I have received from many of you on the
> reflector, starting with a parts inventory.
>
> I was thinking of using the little plastic left over containers that I have
> been saving. I'm dealing with limited space so that way I can stack them
> and keep them sealed when not using that particular parts group.
>
> So I'm ready to get started.
>
> 73, Ed
> KE7HGA
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p6005190.html
> Sent from the [OT] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

EMD

Re: Taken the plunge!

Hi Bob,

Good idea, I have already sorted them by type so hopefully that will eliminate any trouble. Finished the parts inventory so now it's time to get started.

73, Ed
KE7HGA

On 2/8/11 6:31 PM, Robert Harmon [via Elecraft] wrote:

Ed,

Be especially vigilant about screw type/lengths during assembly. Some are very similar.
Otherwise you will discover later during the assembly that the wrong screws were used
on something and you have to go back and make the correction. Ask me how I know this, hi,hi.
Congratulations on your new K3 !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On Feb 8, 2011, at 11:21 AM, EMD wrote:

>
> Elecrafters,
>
> Okay K2 #7109 was delivered today. I'm going to take my time and follow as
> best I can all the excellent advice I have received from many of you on the
> reflector, starting with a parts inventory.
>
> I was thinking of using the little plastic left over containers that I have
> been saving. I'm dealing with limited space so that way I can stack them
> and keep them sealed when not using that particular parts group.
>
> So I'm ready to get started.
>
> 73, Ed
> KE7HGA
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p6005190.html
> Sent from the [OT] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Taken-the-plunge-tp5974140p6005912.html

To unsubscribe from Taken the plunge!, click here.