Doug, 1. QSK. This is user skill level dependent. If you do 20 wpm or less, the K2 QSK may be fine for you. During contesting, I am going at least 32-34 wpm, and not uncommonly at 40wpm. At these speeds and during a contest, I NEED to hear everything immediately (that is what top-end contesting is about). So not hearing between dits at "slow" contest speeds of 32 wpm is an issue for me. NOTE that I still used the K2 despite that deficit because OVERALL, it is a great radio. But for someone used to real QSK, this is not real QSK. Ask other serious contesters and they will say the same. For most K2 users, who are clearly not serious contesters, this is not an issue at all. Since the K3 says "very much better QSK than the K2," I would easily assume that the deficit is real and acknowledged.
*** I would argue that this is not "skill level" dependent, but user preference. Considering the number of Yaesu rigs used by the top ops, QSK isn't an end all issue. If 32 WPM is "slow", I've been in the wrong contests. I listen to some of the folks cranking at over 35WPM and don't see any advantage when you look at the repeat rates. Maybe time is saved with non relevant items or repeatable items like CQ TEST or 5NN, but unless conditions or you have a killer signal, high speed means high repeat rates. 2. Stable power output. *** I've not seen this problem in QRP mode with my K2's either as standalone or with the KPA installed. I have had some issues on 160, but attribute this more to my antennas than the radio. SO IN CONCLUSION The K2 is an awesome value and for all, including serious contesters. At US$600 base, nobody expects it to be 100% perfect for all market niches. This is clearly the ABSOLUTE BEST VALUE going in ham radio. *** There are more than a few "serious" contesters here. Like you, I read the various contest reflectors and I doubt there is a single rig that would define the "ultimate" contesting radio. This is very subjective. It is also dependent on the category you play in, how you operate, what you have for antennas. What one might want for a major HP M/M operation is not the same that a SOSB op would want. Yes, there are basics that everyone wants... a bulletproof receiver comes to mind ;o) Some of us would like to see the HP stations have better Tx performance (better keying shape, stop overdriving their amps). The K2 has exceeded it's design purpose as I see it. As a CW contest rig, I can't think of anything I'd rather have... well except the K3 ;o) Thanks for the Q in WPX! Julius n2wn _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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
