What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

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Re: What made you decide on purchasingan Elecrafttransceiver?

Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
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Reason for purchasing my K3

Arthur Nienhouse
In reply to this post by Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
I wore a Yaesu tattoo for over 20 years starting with
the ft1000d

But the experience with the latest purchase the ft2k
and its eye candy dmu soft front end key clicks splatter
on ssb lack of customer service twice broken front end.
There history of releasing a radio to soon to beat the
other guy and building around obsolete off the shelf at
bargain price parts is well known.

The the only joy went to  UPS making shipping charges
in the first 6 months I owned the radio it was broken
waiting for repair or in shipping I certainly had no joy
operating it.
I don't think they still have the voice processor working
properly I went through a painful tattoo removal bought
a K3 and never looked back. I still have the slug of a radio
but since putting my kit K3 on the air it only has been
transmitted on 4 times since June of 09 its in the box
now anybody want to buy it???

The Yaesu that is.....

I will never again purchase a new radio from the big 3
and play there game of sell the 2 year old model at
1/2 the new price to (up grade) to a double the price
replacement. Yep done playing that game.....

Worse of all the big Y company lied...so my loyalty died.
The only thing I miss is the band stacking registry
Elecraft got everything else right.
Thanks Wayne Lyle and Eric keep up the great work.

I will more than likely get the new amp to replace my
VL1000 which is 12 year old and an excellent performer
still but looking at the Elecraft amp its hard to not like it.
The size and performance is just perfect as I see it, and I
will reclaim some desk space with it as well.


Good on Elecraft
Art
ka9zap



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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

george fritkin
In reply to this post by Scott Ellington





________________________________
I bought my two K3s because I tried the K3 at Watsonville and I liked it.  But
let's not kid ourselves there are radios but more expensive and cheaper that are
just as good...I have them all

George, W6GF


     
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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Dick Dievendorff
  OK, I might as well chime in on this thread too.
My introduction to Elecraft was in 1999 (or was it 1998) in the form of
a post to the QRP reflector.  That post was looking for Field Testers
for a new transceiver (the K2).
I already had an FT-900 transceiver that I enjoyed, but the concept of
building my own full function transceiver was appealing, so I did a lot
of "shopping" for the various kits that were on the market.  I ignored
the "toy" radios that are fun to build, but are typically crystal
controlled and were not integrated into a "system" radio.  I looked at
the SWL series (single band), and the OHR offerings, but was not
entirely satisfied with any of them - the Sierra had some appeal, but it
did not have bandswitching, but instead had plug-in band modules.

Then the K2 description whetted my appetite and I ordered a Field Test
K2 sort of like a "pig in a poke".  I had to give my credit card info up
front, but then as a Field Tester, I was receiving a 10% discounted price!

When I received my kit and the building started (the Field Test email
reflector had already been established), I did as any Field Tester
should do and offered my suggestions for changes in the manual and any
other things that crept into my mind that might enhance the K2 for other
builders.  We initial Field Testers had a great time, and helped one
another through the build process using that email reflector.

When all was completed and the K2 "went live", we felt we had done a
good job, and that was going to be the end of it.  Well, suddenly Eric
announced that the success of the Field Tester email reflector was so
helpful that it would be made available for all builders.  We could help
others through any problems encountered while building their K2s.

Soon, that expanded to the K1, the mini-modules, and the KX1, and then
on to the K3.  It has been an exciting experience for me personally, and
I have developed a lot of friends through this email reflector.  Yes,
the K3 is a great transceiver (the K2 is too), and the K1 and KX1 are
superb in their own place in the market, and Elecraft Support is as
great as ever.  So am I biased - definitely YES.

Confession: I am biased!  I do hourly repair work for Elecraft, and I
can say that there is not a better employer.  I also am permitted to do
independent upgrades and new builds of Elecraft gear - with the blessing
of Eric and Wayne.  I have never worked in such a comfortable
environment - and business is conducted almost seamlessly between
Watsonville, CA and my location in Wake Forest, NC - thanks to the
internet and the way it is used at Elecraft.

Yes, I will be at Dayton, spending a lot of my time at the Elecraft
booth "cheering" for Elecraft.  I enjoy meeting people that I normally
only exchange emails with.  I love my K3 and my K2 SN 0020 will pass
likely pass to my grandson who has recently become a ham when I become
an SK.  That K2 is a part of me and my history, and will not be sold as
long as I live - it is a part of me and my experience that I will never
forget (and I have no regrets).

Thank you Elecraft for creating more than several great transceivers,
you have created a community, and that community of users lives on
through the Elecraft reflector.

73,
Don W3FPR



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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

Curt Milton
While I enjoy having a factory-built rig sitting here, the joy of building and
operating a rig is literally 'historic' and very gratifying.  By the time I was
of employment age, Heath was nearly gone.  After assembling a few kits it was
time to 'pounce.'  The K2 has been a fun adventure - I enjoyed it for years
before adding the QRO option.  I confess that my 2000-series K2 does have a
bunch of required jumpers and cut traces - but that is part of the adventure.  
As for contesting, I really like its clear clean receive audio and the very fast
ATU (used for tuning my low band verticals primarily).  


Except for not having 6m 'affordably', the K2 is a nifty rig.  As many of us
cannot 'afford one of each' from the Elecraft line, I suggest listing your own
rig requirements to determine which one best fits your interests - literally
which one you would use the most.  


73 Curt


     
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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

Chuck Shefflette
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
After being exposed to Collins and other tube equipment in the early 70s then being away until 2008, I started again with an Ft-897d and picked up an FT-901DM that needed a lot of work. One of our club members brought his K3 to Field Day in 2009. I spent about 8 hours running the K3 operating 20M CW  and the other 16 using various Kenwoods in a 10A operation. I decided then and there that I had to have one. The K3 was worlds above the club supplied Kenwoods and my 897 as well. One thing led to another and I bought K3 #4072 in kit form and love it.

In the middle of 2010 I picked up #4407 after it had suffered a lightning strike. I hoped that I'd be able to salvage at least the filters. To my surprise, most of the radio worked. After replacing the obviously destroyed KIO3 and did some troubleshooting by swapping boards between the two, it was obvious the front panel had a problem - the TX pin on the MCU was being held high. Support at Elecraft was wonderful during the troubleshooting exercise and did a wonderful job repairing the front panel. The DSP ended up needing replacement as well. Now I have two fully operational K3s to keep the 901 company. The 897 is in the hands of another new ham.

If this had been one of the big 3's radios, I'm sure the repair bill would have exceeded the cost of a new radio and I would probably have used it for parts. Instead, for a fraction of the cost of a new K3, I have a fully operational second K3. I give credit to all the staff at Elecraft, not only for the wonderful design but for their help in getting 4407 working again.

Since we were planning a trip to the West Coast about the time the front panel repair was complete, I made a stop into the Elecraft office in Watsonville a part of the trip. It was great to meet everyone there, see the KPA500 on the bench and pick up the front panel and DSP while I was there.

Hats off to Elecraft. I will certainly pick up some more of the mini modules and am considering one of their smaller radios for really portable operation.

73,

Chuck - AA3CS

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73 - Chuck, AA3CS
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Re: What made you decide on purchasingan Elecrafttransceiver?

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
On 2/22/2011 3:47 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF wrote:
> Hi Fred,
> Not physically no, I am about 3,800Km (2300 miles) from Christchurch NZ,
> emotionally however is another matter.
> I feel for those good folk down there, at least here in cyclone alley we
> get some notification that a disaster is on its way, unfortunately no
> such forewarning is yet possible with earthquakes.

OK Jeff, yes I understand ... this hobby has brought me friends from all
over the world.  The photos on TV are devastating.  We're on the Pacific
Rim, we don't have hurricanes, typhoons [experienced one of those in
Vietnam], cyclones, or tornadoes.  We do have earthquakes however, and
they come from nowhere instantly of course.  Fortunately, not all that
often.

73,

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA
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Re: What made you decide on

w0mu
FT-DX9000, FT-2000's need I say more?

Great reports on the K3 from trusted contesters and building a radio
sounded like fun, so much so I had to repeat the experience!

The new amp has appeal for travel.

W0MU
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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Alan Slusher-2
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
?The only issue is rig quality, and Elecraft has that in spades.

After two K2s, two K1s, and a K3 my only question is: how do I get rid of
the Japanese stuff in Belize (with internet, ham radio is oh, so passe.
Can't even give the older rigs away).  But no, I will never sell the 430s;
too much sentimental value: was my first rig after getting back into ham
radio after a long hiatus; and I have done too much work on the Jupiter and
the Argo 509 to let those go.

But: what is the first rig that gets turned on the morning?  Eenie meenie
mynie moe between K2 and K3.

What stays on when I go to sleep? Usually K2, so it is already on in the
mornings.  Lower end of 40m: QRP CW.

Am eternally grateful to Wayne, Eric and the rest of the Aptos crew (will
not sell the Sierra nor the Norcal 40A at any price).

Always willing to make a sked for those who want V3.

Cheers,

Alan  V31FA/ 8P9BM


From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 4:27 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What made you decide on purchasing an
Elecrafttransceiver?

I'm on a little 2-day vacation up in Bear Valley, CA, with Lillian and the
kids. I'm not allowed to work, but I've really enjoyed reading this thread.
(Who wouldn't?)

Thanks, everyone.... With your help, we hope our future products will also
earn such praise.

73,
Wayne
N6KR
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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Nr4c
In reply to this post by Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
Why did I buy a K3......?

For two years, I watched k2's and K3's at Field Day and was very impressed.
After the first, I upgraded my old ICOM 735 to a Kenwood TS-570D(G).  I
quickly learned to appreciate the 'new' controls I had to work with.  The
next year, I again was awed by the K3's at two different FD operations.  At
the same time, my part time job was providing a bit more extra income.  I
treated myself to a K3 on my birthday last year.  

I built a K3/10 "BARE" and promptly joined the "Module a Week" club and just
today, I installed the LAST filter in my K3/100 "Wide Band" radio with DVR,
ATU and P3.  All that's left is the Sub-Receiver, and the AMP (hint, hint).
I have fun using the radio and as much or more fun putting it together.  I
think I would been overwhelmed had I gotten it all at once.

I now have about 835 confirmed contacts on LOTW, almost 450 of them since
August 04, 2010 when I put my K3/10 on the air the first time.  This has
been the most fun since, well... you know!

I was a model maker for NASA for 34 years, and half of that time was in
CAD/CAM as a designer/programmer.  I have been part of some phenomenal
design/assembly projects.  I cannot believe that a kit at this price point
can be so precisely manufactured and assemble so effortlessly as the K3.
Although, for builders like me who did it one module at a time, a zipper or
some Velcro on the top cover would have been nice.

My hat is off to the entire team who put this together.  The young ladies
who answer the phone should also get recognition.  Each one has been
courteous and knowledgeable and has gotten my order out quickly and
correctly.  I just can't say enough.  

Thank You, Elecraft.

...bill conkling   K3/4536
Williamsburg, Virginia

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 6:52 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ
Subject: [Elecraft] What made you decide on purchasing an
Elecrafttransceiver?

Hi Wayne, Eric & everyone on the list,
I thought that perhaps it was time to ask one of the most important
questions ever for this mailing list,
That is: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?


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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Gary D Krause
In reply to this post by Alan Slusher-2
My first rig was a Kenwood TS-530SP which I still have.  I became a ham around
1984.  I also have a Ten Tec Centruy 22.  A little later I purchased a
TS-440S.  My wife passed away in 2000 and I didn't do much if any ham radio
for about five years.  When I did start to get back to it, my TS-440S quite
working.  So, I was looking for a new radio and decided on the Ten Tec
Argonuaut V.  It was okay but, I didn't really like the DSP sound.  It was
kind of soft and muddy to me.  Not the crystal clear sound that I was
accustomed to.  So I started searching for something else and found the
Elecraft K2.

I had never built anything before other than a Heath Kit noise bridge and an
antenna switch but, I wanted the experience of building something more
substantial.  I had also read as much as I could find about the K2 and looked
at the it's specs.  So, I sold the Ten Tec and ordered the K2.  Two days later
Elecraft announced the K3.  If only I had waited but, I'm glad I had the
experience of building the K2.  In fact, I actually ordered a K3 about a year
later but, shortly canceled it partly because, I didn't want to sell my K2.
 So last year, I upgraded the K2 with the KPA100. I bought the K2 sight unseen
and took a chance but, I'm glad I did.

I've held off purchasing a K3 because, I don't think I would gain much over
the K2 since I work mostly CW.  At least that's what I've been told.  If
anyone disagrees please let me know and tell me why.

Elecraft has some great products but, lately it seems to competition is
starting to heat up.  It'll be interesting to see what comes of it all.

Thanks, Elecraft.

Gary, N7HTS


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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Nick Kennedy
Let's see.  I'd had the FT-1000 for about eight years and had a bit of
new rig fever, plus a bonus check was looming and I didn't want to
fritter it away on food and shelter!  When I bought the FT-1000, I liked
the fact that it was a "real boatanchor" in size and weight.  But after
I gimped up my back a bit later I started longing for a rig I could take
to Field Day without killing myself.

I liked the FT-1000 pretty well, but reports of chirp and clicks,
especially in QSK mode, made me abandon QSK on it.  That and the
clacking relays.  My previous rigs had included a Triton II, Triton IV
and Corsair, all of which had excellent QSK.  I thought the K3 might
take me back to smooth QSK with good transmit quality on CW, my primary
mode.

I'd never owned or used an Elecraft product before, but I'd been active
in QRP for ten years or so and always heard glowing reports on the K2
and other products.

So those were the major factors and here I sit, still well pleased to  
have such a fine transceiver.

73-

Nick, WA5BDU
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Re: What made you decide to purchase an Elecraft transceiver?

Joseph Trombino, Jr
In reply to this post by Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

Howdy Gang:

Might as well chime in with my .02 cents on the subject.

I was working overseas in Cyprus when Elecraft offered up the K2 kit for sale back in 1999.

I had been in QRP since my first homebrew Novice TX back in 1962 and over the years had built all the Heathkit HW QRP kits, OHR kits, etc plus homebrew gear.

When I saw the specs on the kit I decided that it was the project for me.  I had never heard of Elecraft before but I was familiar with the work of Wayne, N6KR going back to his Safari transceiver project that was printed in the October 1990 issue of QEX.

I had to email the XYL back here in the States and have her place the order with Elecraft for the K2 with KAT2, KAF2 and SSB module.

I'm sure she was thrilled doing that (grin).

After building the K2 I was wondering if Elecraft would come out with anything else...sure enough out came the K1 followed by the KX1.

Needless to say I just had to have one of each of those puppies so the building experience continued.

I have to say that building Elecraft kits is highly addictive...I wound up building another K2, 4 K1's and 4 KX1's.

I built them, operated them for a while, sold them and bought other Elecraft kits....the cycle continued....like I said, these kits are addictive.

How many more K2's, K1's and KX1's will I build??  Let's see...how much time is left in life??

Did I forget to mention that I also built 2 K3's?? (grin).

OK...so now I am waiting for the the K4, KX2, K1B or whatever else is in the works....with Elecraft you never know what's next.

We are indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful U.S. company offering these products to us...QRP building has never been so good.

So, melt solder, build and enjoy.

                                                73, Joe W2KJ
                                                I QRP, therefore I am


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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

k6rb
In reply to this post by Gary D Krause
I would not describe myself as fad driven. My first station was a Viking
Adventurer and HQ-110, and I used it for 12 years (1958-1970). My second
was an HW-100 and I used it for 12 years (1970-1982). After that, though,
I had a Ten-Tec OMNI D, IC-761, and FT-1000s over the ensuing 28 years.

But, I had seen the original K2 prototype, and the later K3 prototype when
Eric brought each to local club meetings (QCWA and NCCC). So many of my CW
buddies made the switch to the K3 that I began feeling like a reactionary.
But, I just couldn't get rid of the FTs (both of which I fitted out with
INRAD roofing filters) because they seemed to still be working so well.

Last January (2010), I got a nice bonus at work. It was enough for me to
buy my first K3/100 kit without too much deliberation. I built it. It
worked without problems. And, I put it on the air. How did I like it?
Well, I sold my two FT-1000s in February and bought the second K3/100 kit
in March 2010. Recently, I bought a pair of P3s to go along with them.

I am very pleased with the performance of the K3 (and P3). The difference
really shines under crowded band conditions. I look forward to at least 11
more years of K3/P3 operation, and am seriously considering the KPA-500.
Yes, I got another bonus this January. That's what prompted me to buy the
two P3s. I'm due for another in July. That would be just in time to slip a
KPA-500 in place of a well behaved and dependable Ten-Tec Centurion as the
amplifier in 2nd radio position.

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What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Bill Davis Jr
In reply to this post by Nick Kennedy

   The reasons I initially selected the K3 to adorn my shack were:

   

    (1) A rig designed with no compromises for transverter use -- coded output for transverter selection and control
   
    (2) Performance and at "affordable" price!
 
    (3) IF output to drive my Softrock Panadapter when used with transverters

    (4) 10w version -- ideal for transverter use

    (5) Outstanding recommendations from other VHF/UHF K3 users

    (6) American made and modular design allowing the best repair-ability of any rig on the market

    (7) Custom configuration at time of purchase and the ability to add hardware upgrades later

    (8) Compact size

  AFTER SELECTION, reasons I'm even more sold

    (1) Beautiful interface with PowerSDR IF (ver 1.19.3.5) allowing point and click operation without compromise when desired.

    (2) Factory Support   -- WOW

    (3) The desire of Wayne and crew to design software based upon the "NEEDs" of the user

    (4) The  encouragement of us users to suggest and request features to be incorporated in future hardware and software

    (5) The darn Koolaid tastes SO GOOD

   Biggest problem:

    (1) How will I avoid purchasing a second one? I would love to RETURN to HF with this wonderful rig at 100w or better.

          ( I would love to find a good external HF amplifier with ATU to use with the K3/10 160-6m. )

    THANKS ELECRAFT

  73  Bill  K0AWU EN37ed  --------
     
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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Lou Kolb
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
As a ham who is totally blind, I must confess, I was a bit leery of buying a
K3.  After all, there are certainly more accessible rigs out there,
especially the Kenwood TS480 and 590.  The voice chip in those rigs speaks
not only frequency and S-meter but all the menu items and their status as
well.

However, a good friend of mine, Bob, K3Ul who is also blind and a first-rate
DX-op to boot had a K3 and liked it so much he bought a second one to use as
a spare.  That, plus the fact that I had heard of Elecraft's intention to
make voice readout available via the DVR tipped the scales in Elecraft's
favor and I took the plunge last May.

Performance wise, I have no complaints.  Though neither contester nor
DX-chaser, I love CW and work about 50 per cent cw and 50 per cent SSB.
With direct frequency entry and most of the everyday operations available on
the front panel, I've done well enough, but remain frustrated at the lack of
access to the menus.  Elecraft has provided some help via K3 voice, a
program which gives access to S-meter readings, frequency readout and
several other useful items but no menu.  Also, they used an odd aproach by
making K3 voice a self-voicing program where all the output is done by means
of recorded announcements.  Perhaps there were reasons I'm not aware of for
doing this but it unnecessarily complicates things as those of us who are
blind use screen reading software.  If output is properly displayed on the
screen, the screen reader speaks the information eliminating the need for
someone to record any possible output.

I believe the fact that Elecraft has given us K3 Voice demonstrates their
willingness to provide solutions to those of us who are blind or visually
impaired.  I also apreciate that we are a tiny per centage of their customer
base and that they need to spend most of their time and resources doing
what's best for business and catering to the 99 per cent of their users who
are sighted.  Understandable, but frustrating to those of us who need access
and are not willing to compromise on performance.  I know of at least one
blind op who was very high on Elecraft and whom, I believe, was actually in
consultation with them on these issues.  However, after several of his
correspondences to them went unanswered, he tired of waiting, sold his K3
and bought a 590 instead.  K3UL, whom I mentioned above, also bought a 590
and, while he still has and loves his K3's, is delighted with the access the
Kenwood voice chip provides.  Most of us, myself included, are in a position
to have only one rig.  So here is my suggestion.  Any programmers out there
who might be willing to work on a speech-friendly program that would give
access to the K3's menus?  How about it guys and gals?  Up for a challenge?
Thanks for your consideration.  Lou WA3MIX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne Burdick" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What made you decide on purchasing an
Elecrafttransceiver?


> I'm on a little 2-day vacation up in Bear Valley, CA, with Lillian and the
> kids. I'm not allowed to work, but I've really enjoyed reading this
> thread. (Who wouldn't?)
>
> Thanks, everyone.... With your help, we hope our future products will also
> earn such praise.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 

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Re: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecrafttransceiver?

Jim Brown-10
On 2/27/2011 7:35 AM, Lou Kolb wrote:
> Perhaps there were reasons I'm not aware of for
> doing this but it unnecessarily complicates things as those of us who are
> blind use screen reading software.

It would be good to hear from other blind hams on this. Elecraft has
been VERY good at communicating with their mainstream users and
designing to our needs. Is Lou's perspective on this universal among
blind hams?

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: ZL Earthquake

Paul Saville-6
In reply to this post by k6dgw
We had some damage here Fred, but the houses in the local area are
mostly still habitable. Across town came off much worst by all accounts.
The electricity is back on now, and we get an occasional trickle of
water from the tap, to be boiled for drinking.

Things to improve for "the next time":

- 50 litres drinking water is only just sufficient for a family of five.
I'm going to increase the "stash" to 200 litres (about 50 gallons) or more.

- Battery capacity in the shack was one 7 A/H gel battery, and about 20
AA cells. Too little to be of any use in an emergency. I'm thinking 200
A/H minimum plus a portable generator would be more appropriate. I will
also set up the shack to run off 12V battery supply all the time,
including shack computer, so it's always ready to go. The rotator might
be a little tricky in that regard being 24VAC.

- Candles are a no-go in an earthquake because they fall over when there
is an aftershock. Flashlights are inconvenient as a "working" light, so
I am looking at LED lamps, bolted to the wall or desk so they stay put.

Maybe I'm suffering an attack of siege mentality, but once bitten, twice
shy.

Wish list: I nice hot shower - luxury!

73 Paul ZL3IN

On 23/02/2011 12:37 p.m., Fred Jensen wrote:
>
> Did the ZL earthquake affect any of you?
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW

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Re: ZL Earthquake

Cookie
Paul, we don't have earthquakes here, but we do have hurricanes.  I have a
couple of flourescent lanterns which operate from 8 D cells.  I only had one
during Ike and it lasted for a week with one set of batteries, using it part
time.  They are available here from Home Depot, but you may not have that chain
in New Zealand.  I can give you more information if you need it.  They are very
convenient and safe.
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ




________________________________
From: Paul Saville <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011 9:33:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ZL Earthquake

We had some damage here Fred, but the houses in the local area are
mostly still habitable. Across town came off much worst by all accounts.
The electricity is back on now, and we get an occasional trickle of
water from the tap, to be boiled for drinking.

Things to improve for "the next time":

- 50 litres drinking water is only just sufficient for a family of five.
I'm going to increase the "stash" to 200 litres (about 50 gallons) or more.

- Battery capacity in the shack was one 7 A/H gel battery, and about 20
AA cells. Too little to be of any use in an emergency. I'm thinking 200
A/H minimum plus a portable generator would be more appropriate. I will
also set up the shack to run off 12V battery supply all the time,
including shack computer, so it's always ready to go. The rotator might
be a little tricky in that regard being 24VAC.

- Candles are a no-go in an earthquake because they fall over when there
is an aftershock. Flashlights are inconvenient as a "working" light, so
I am looking at LED lamps, bolted to the wall or desk so they stay put.

Maybe I'm suffering an attack of siege mentality, but once bitten, twice
shy.

Wish list: I nice hot shower - luxury!

73 Paul ZL3IN

On 23/02/2011 12:37 p.m., Fred Jensen wrote:
>
> Did the ZL earthquake affect any of you?
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW

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Re: ZL Earthquake

w0mu
I noticed Lowes was now carrying a decent selection of led "bulbs" that
will screw into a normal light socket.  They are still a tad spendy at
$20 bucks a pop but only draw something like 11w  and put out 65w.

On 2/27/2011 10:03 PM, WILLIS COOKE wrote:

> Paul, we don't have earthquakes here, but we do have hurricanes.  I have a
> couple of flourescent lanterns which operate from 8 D cells.  I only had one
> during Ike and it lasted for a week with one set of batteries, using it part
> time.  They are available here from Home Depot, but you may not have that chain
> in New Zealand.  I can give you more information if you need it.  They are very
> convenient and safe.
>   Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
> K5EWJ
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Paul Saville<[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011 9:33:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ZL Earthquake
>
> We had some damage here Fred, but the houses in the local area are
> mostly still habitable. Across town came off much worst by all accounts.
> The electricity is back on now, and we get an occasional trickle of
> water from the tap, to be boiled for drinking.
>
> Things to improve for "the next time":
>
> - 50 litres drinking water is only just sufficient for a family of five.
> I'm going to increase the "stash" to 200 litres (about 50 gallons) or more.
>
> - Battery capacity in the shack was one 7 A/H gel battery, and about 20
> AA cells. Too little to be of any use in an emergency. I'm thinking 200
> A/H minimum plus a portable generator would be more appropriate. I will
> also set up the shack to run off 12V battery supply all the time,
> including shack computer, so it's always ready to go. The rotator might
> be a little tricky in that regard being 24VAC.
>
> - Candles are a no-go in an earthquake because they fall over when there
> is an aftershock. Flashlights are inconvenient as a "working" light, so
> I am looking at LED lamps, bolted to the wall or desk so they stay put.
>
> Maybe I'm suffering an attack of siege mentality, but once bitten, twice
> shy.
>
> Wish list: I nice hot shower - luxury!
>
> 73 Paul ZL3IN
>
> On 23/02/2011 12:37 p.m., Fred Jensen wrote:
>> Did the ZL earthquake affect any of you?
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Fred K6DGW
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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