Paul I just got a K2 early this summer. It was quite a stretch for what I am able to spend on ham radio. I sold a Icom 703 to fund part of the purchase. I have been able to add some nice options this year just one extra at a time. I'm waiting on an auto tuner right now. A K3 just isn't affordable for me though I wish I could play at that level.
I think I have gone though the same purchasing feeling as your are afraid of. Much of it comes from the fact this reflector seems to be 95% K3 talk.(understandable because it is still very new) Another has been when I call Elecraft to order something they start my puchase conversation assuming I am inquiring about a K3 or something about a K3. I have to stop the conversation quickly and clearly tell them about what I am ordering is for a K2.(this does nothing to make me feel I am spending my money very well) Last point is the Elecraft web site calls the K2 "K2 Classic HF Transceiver Kit". "Classic" brings to mind antique. The Heathkit HW-8 is a classic (but in no way compares to the sophistication of a K2.) I think the word "classic" is a poor choice for marketing a current rig. I keep in mind, however, that comparing the most recent QRP radios that are or were on the market by any other company I can think of, the K2 holds better in performance and similar in being a current manufacturing begin date. The Reflector history is a great resource and you will still get your questions answered if you ask. I just looked up the word "classic in my dictionary and I find it's definition as "a. Of highest rank or class b. Serving as the established model or standard ""a classic example""." My K2 is my "do everything" QRP radio. It is fantastic both on my desk and out with me backpacking. The more I use it the more I LOVE it! I plan to keep adding options as I can and will enjoy it for a very long time. HECK! I am even feeling better now about the word "Classic". Remember ham radio isn't A radio, it is an experience. So..... Go For It Paul and enjoy the ride. It's GREAT! Ivin W9ILF --- On Thu, 12/10/09, Paul Huff <ph...@mi.rr.com> wrote: > From: Paul Huff <ph...@mi.rr.com> > Subject: [Elecraft] Is the K2 old technology? > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 4:20 PM > I think that I have finally saved up > enough money to purchase my long-desired > K2. But there are two thoughts that cause me to > hesitate: > > First, is the K2 "long in the tooth"? Am I spending a > significant amount of > money on technology that is on it's way to being obsolete? > > Second, I will only be able to purchase a basic K2 > and plan on adding the > extras to it over the next couple of years. Will > Elecraft still be offering > those products for that length of time? > > I guess that I will ask that 2nd question directly to > Elecraft, but any opinions > on the first question would be appreciated. > > Thanks in advance and 73, > Paul - N8XMS > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > ______________________________________________________________ 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
