Mike:
It depends on what you want to do with the rig. Since you style
yourself a "newbie," you can likely do without the advanced features,
like the DSP. These are for more experienced operators trying to use
the rig in difficult conditions.
A beginner can do quite a lot with the basic rig. Whether or not you
need the add-ons depends on the following questions:
Do you want to operate strictly QRP? If yes, then you do not need the
KPA option. QRP contacts are harder to make than QRO contacts, and a
beginner will have an easier time of it with 100 watts. Nevertheless,
10-15 watts CW can be amazingly effective. (Side issue: With QRP, you
can get by with a whole lot cheaper power supply than for QRO.)
Do you want to work SSB, or are you strictly CW? If you want SSB
capability, you need the KSB2.
Are you planning to operate 160 meters? At least to start, you might
not. 160 is a bit more difficult than other bands. Typically, 40
meters is the easiest place for beginners. In any case, if you want
to operate 160, you need the K160RX.
Unless you are planning to operate mobile, or are in an environment
with a lot of machine generated noise, you can do without the KNB2.
Both the KSDP2 and KAF2 are good for weak signal or pileup or other
difficult settings. However, you probably do not need them at the
beginning. The IF filters in the basic K2 are excellent.
Unless you want to use a computer to control the radio (typically
done by "go for blood" contesters, and other highly sophisticated
applications), you do not need the KIO2.
Unless you want to operate the 60 meter band (only 5 channels USB,
and very restrictive operating rules; not a good setting for an
inexperienced operator), you do not need the KX60XV.
If you're either using an antenna with a low SWR, or already own a
tuner, you do not need the KAT 100.
Unless you are operating in a setting where commercial power is
either unavailable or unreliable, you do not need battery power.
In other words, you'll get lots of bang for the buck with the bare K2.
Don't forget, you can easily add other features as you discover the
need for them in the future. If you're planning to build it yourself,
you do not want to get overwhelmed with endless construction. It
would be a lot more satisfying to build the basic rig, and operate it
a bit. Then you can gradually build the add-ons at your convenience
73,
Steve Kercel
AA4AK
At 09:51 AM 8/31/2006, KU4YP wrote:
Hello,
I would like to ask a question. If you were buying a k2, what would
be the basic options you could not do without when buying the kit? Like
everyone, I am on a set budget but have enough for the rig plus a little
more. Wanted to get the most bang for the buck and also get the options that
are really needed right out of the gate.
I am looking forward to your replies.
Tnx and 73 mike ku4yp
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