I agree with Keith's comments, but I'll contribute my two cents' as well. My background, such as it is -- I got my ticket about 20 months ago, spent 4 months just on 2 meters, and got my K3 a year after I got on HF.
That experience leads me to point out four things: 1. Used rigs are widely available, and rigs can be resold. While it might slow down the process, you can get a starter rig, and then resell it later to help finance the purchase of a K3. 2. Several months on a starter rig taught me that the things I actually enjoyed and spent time pursuing on the air were different than what I might have expected before getting on HF. Also learning to use & working through the quirks of my starter rig I learned a few things...and that in turn is what lead me to seek out a K3, and to make more informed decisions on how I might want it equipped. 3. As an alternative to getting a starter rig, you might look around to see if there is a club station available in your area to operate. You get experience and fun while you save up to set up your own station. 4. I do not want to discourage you from considering an Elecraft, but if money is tight, remember that antennas are the most important part of your station. I love my K3, but I would have had no second-thoughts about postponing my transceiver upgrade if there were any way I could have put up a beam in a spouse-tolerated manner. There's nothing wrong with cheap wire antennas; but if you have space and approval from the spouse and your town, invest in good antennas before worrying about picking the perfect rig. -- Michael D. Adams (AB1OD) Poquonock, Connecticut | m...@ab1od.org On Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 2:26 PM, Keith Heimbold <ag...@hotmail.com> wrote: > Lee, > > I would pick up a beginners HF rig from an old ham in the neighborhood for > cheap and save up for the K3. > > Look around and find a couple Elmers where you live and see what they can > help you put a system together. Hang dipole and have some fun. A QRP rig > could be a nice option but personally I would go crazy waiting two years to > get on the air. You should be able to get something going as you save for > the K3. > > Good luck! > > Keith > AG6AZ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
