Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
Hello Don, Thank you for the reply. Thank you to the others who also replied to me with info and links. Have a lot of things to think over :) Could the gentleman in VK3 or VK4 (RFenabled)who emailed me please resend your email address so i can respond to you please... i seem to have lost your email from the system here whilst i was formulating a reply... oops ! Don, thanks for the construction comments. The roads in NZ are a little rough on vehicles and equipment :) We tend to look after the motorhome so hopefully all will be well with the electronics inside. >From some of the comments made to me it seems i should at least consider expanding my horizons to the K3. Great to share in the passion people have for the Elecraft products :) Thanks again to all for the very useful comments, pictures and links. Regards Rob ZL2IW - Original Message - From: "Don Wilhelm" To: "Rob Carter" Cc: Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 4:13 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion > Rob, > > Yes, several K2s can be found in motorhomes, I know of at least one that > is on a sailboat, and one that I built for a fellow lived in an 18 wheel > truck for several years, and there have been many that have been taken > on DXpeditions, and many others have been used at Field Day sites. > K3s can be found in similar locations too. > It amazes me how many hams tend to think of radios as fragile - most of > that went away with the advent of all solid state equipment. Those > vacuum tubes were fragile, but solid state gear is quite hardy and will > take quite a shock without damage as long as the enclosure is intact. > The most probable damage points are the front panel controls connected > to knobs and any connectors sticking out of the rear panel. > > The Elecraft tuners for the K1, K2 and K3 are of the L network type and > have a large tuning range (the KX1 is limited by its small physical > size). They will tune a wide range of 'normal' antennas. Like most > tuners, they do have trouble with very high impedances such as an end > fed Half Wave Dipole. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > Rob Carter wrote: >> So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome >> (is that an RV in your language)? >> Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? >> >> Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? >> >> Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi >> antennae? >> >> I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, >> but would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could >> spare me a couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that >> would be great. >> Thanks >> Rob >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.722 / Virus Database: 270.14.121/2589 - Release Date: 12/27/09 22:18:00 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
I drive a Mazda MX6, and usually have a passenger - any other suggestions? I have even tried to find a place for the front panel of my Yaesu FT-900 but have given up. I do not want it in my line of vision above the dashboard. 73, Don W3FPR W B Reese wrote: > I drive a Miata and have no trouble mounting the K2. > > http://w9iix.com/ > > is a wonderful mount just on the passenger side of the center > console, it bolts to the floor and can be attached and de-attached in > just a couple of minutes. When there is a passenger, it goes out, > the floormat goes down and you can't tell anything is installed, the > floor is flat. When it is in, the mount is sturdy and positioned > perfectly. A pleasure to mobile. Anyone who thinks a K2 can't be > installed in their car needs to check W9IXX ! > > TR, WB6TMY > K2 S/N 838 > > > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
How about rugged. My buddy has a K2 on his ATV in a plastic bag on the saddle pouch. Gets a lot of banging around and keeps on ticking, hi. Mel --- On Mon, 12/28/09, Don Wilhelm wrote: From: Don Wilhelm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion To: "Rob Carter" Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, December 28, 2009, 7:13 AM Rob, Yes, several K2s can be found in motorhomes, I know of at least one that is on a sailboat, and one that I built for a fellow lived in an 18 wheel truck for several years, and there have been many that have been taken on DXpeditions, and many others have been used at Field Day sites. K3s can be found in similar locations too. It amazes me how many hams tend to think of radios as fragile - most of that went away with the advent of all solid state equipment. Those vacuum tubes were fragile, but solid state gear is quite hardy and will take quite a shock without damage as long as the enclosure is intact. The most probable damage points are the front panel controls connected to knobs and any connectors sticking out of the rear panel. The Elecraft tuners for the K1, K2 and K3 are of the L network type and have a large tuning range (the KX1 is limited by its small physical size). They will tune a wide range of 'normal' antennas. Like most tuners, they do have trouble with very high impedances such as an end fed Half Wave Dipole. 73, Don W3FPR Rob Carter wrote: > So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome (is > that an RV in your language)? > Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? > > Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? > > Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi > antennae? > > I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, but > would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could spare me a > couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that would be great. > Thanks > Rob > > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
Hector, There was at least one K2 that had a "custom" detachable panel.several years back I recall there was a teenager named Andrew Meng who did just that here is a link to his K2 bicycle project: http://www.qsl.net/n8mx/k2.html 72 & Regards, Rich K2CPE K2 #1102 Hector Padron wrote: > K2 should be a very nice radio to use it as a mobile station in any vehicle > because of its very low noise receiver but the problem comes with its > size,unless you have an 18 wheeler or maybe in some motorhomes where there is > big space available you will not be able to install it.It don't have a > detachable panel to use it as remore installation. > > > > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
I drive a Miata and have no trouble mounting the K2. http://w9iix.com/ is a wonderful mount just on the passenger side of the center console, it bolts to the floor and can be attached and de-attached in just a couple of minutes. When there is a passenger, it goes out, the floormat goes down and you can't tell anything is installed, the floor is flat. When it is in, the mount is sturdy and positioned perfectly. A pleasure to mobile. Anyone who thinks a K2 can't be installed in their car needs to check W9IXX ! TR, WB6TMY K2 S/N 838 At 08:20 AM 12/28/2009 -0800, you wrote: >K2 should be a very nice radio to use it as a mobile station in any >vehicle because of its very low noise receiver but the problem comes >with its size,unless you have an 18 wheeler or maybe in some >motorhomes where there is big space available you will not be able >to install it.It don't have a detachable panel to use it as remore >installation like the kenwood 480,or Icoms 7000 so that makes it >more difficult,I have been thinking to install it on my SUV but then >I will have to build a custom made mount to put it in front of my >dashboard.Its tempting to have such a good radio and not been able >to use it as a mobile unit. > >AD4C __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
Rob and All, I think most of your questions have already been very effectively addressed by Don Wilhelm. I would add my concurrence with all that he said based on my use of both a K2 and K3 in situations you describe. I have a motorhome that I use extensively during summer months, and I even picked up a 2nd K2 specifically to keep in that RV. It works very well in that type of situation since it has a small footprint, and lots of flexibility. My K2 is the QRP version, and I also have a small THP HL50B amp which gives me the ability to add a little punch when necessary. I can cover all the HF bands, and operate both CW and SSB with it, although CW is my primary mode. I also have a small travel trailer that I use for outings with some other ham friends here locally. We go out several times a year to various camping locations, and usually my K2 is what I bring along. I've taken the K3 several times, but I like the lower power consumption of the K2. My favorite operating event is Field Day, which I usually participate in running QRP. The K2 is nearly perfect for that--a very competent radio, and low power consumption. I'm not a serious contester, however, but if I was I would take the K3 instead. The K3 isn't that much bigger, and it is very portable. Obviously, it is an even more competent and versatile radio, but it can almost be overkill in many of the situations I use a radio for while camping. Having the luxury of chosing between the two types is very nice, but I wouldn't hesitate to take either one on just about any outing. Both the K2 and K3 have very good ATU options (much better than most internal ATU's I've had in other radios). However, as Don points out, they can struggle with some types of antennas like end fed half waves. I always take a small MFJ tuner for that reason, as I do use a wide variety of antenna types depending on my location. More often than not, the internal ATU will handle things just fine, but it helps to be prepared for unusual circumstances. I've operated CW mobile for years, going back to when I first bought a Ten-Tec Argonaut 505. The K2 has seen some use in that fashion as well, and works great. Newer radios, like the TS-480, work better for that type of operating though, since they have removable heads which makes it much more convenient. However, the K2 has a better receiver! By the way, the TS-480 is, hands down, a better radio than the FT-897 except the 480 doesn't have VHF/UHF. So, the bottom line is you wouldn't regret buying either a K2 or K3. If you can swing the K3, do it! If you only have one radio, that's the one you want. You won't regret having a K2 in most cases, but the added features of the K3 make it so much more fun to operate. Either radio will work very well in all the situations you mention. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: "Rob Carter" To: Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 12:47 AM Subject: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion > Hi, > Have been following some of the discussions here with interest. Thanks for > the friendly and positive way you deal with topics of all sorts. > First of all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the team at Elecraft > and any every one else in the group. > > My interest in Ham Radio is varied. I like the K2 for it's frugal use of > DC power. I use radios in a portable realm sometimes, in the motorhome, at > ILLW and Field Days.. . of course they sometimes get plugged in at home as > well lol. Mainly SSB, but my CW is improving. > So like all i seek the ideal radio... a go anywhere, yet still > sophisticated enough to work as a base radio. > A good Rx is important to me. It needs to sound smooth to the ear for > extended use. The radio also needs to be stable enough for data use > > Currently running a FT897 as a utility radio and an old IC 740 as a field > day or ILLW radio. > The cool features and portability of the 897 are great and the Rx > performance of the old Icom seem to be great for ILLW and Field Days, well > here in New Zealand anyway, lol. > Have thought to upgrade to a more highly spec portable QRP radio that can > be used with an amplifier on base or in the motorhome and of course stand > alone in the field. > > So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome > (is that an RV in your language)? > Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? > > Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? > > Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi > antennae? > > I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, > but would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could > spare me a couple of lines re your experiences with using t
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
K2 should be a very nice radio to use it as a mobile station in any vehicle because of its very low noise receiver but the problem comes with its size,unless you have an 18 wheeler or maybe in some motorhomes where there is big space available you will not be able to install it.It don't have a detachable panel to use it as remore installation like the kenwood 480,or Icoms 7000 so that makes it more difficult,I have been thinking to install it on my SUV but then I will have to build a custom made mount to put it in front of my dashboard.Its tempting to have such a good radio and not been able to use it as a mobile unit. AD4C "For a refined ham it is compulsory to own a k3" --- On Mon, 12/28/09, Don Wilhelm wrote: From: Don Wilhelm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion To: "Rob Carter" Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Monday, December 28, 2009, 3:13 PM Rob, Yes, several K2s can be found in motorhomes, I know of at least one that is on a sailboat, and one that I built for a fellow lived in an 18 wheel truck for several years, and there have been many that have been taken on DXpeditions, and many others have been used at Field Day sites. K3s can be found in similar locations too. It amazes me how many hams tend to think of radios as fragile - most of that went away with the advent of all solid state equipment. Those vacuum tubes were fragile, but solid state gear is quite hardy and will take quite a shock without damage as long as the enclosure is intact. The most probable damage points are the front panel controls connected to knobs and any connectors sticking out of the rear panel. The Elecraft tuners for the K1, K2 and K3 are of the L network type and have a large tuning range (the KX1 is limited by its small physical size). They will tune a wide range of 'normal' antennas. Like most tuners, they do have trouble with very high impedances such as an end fed Half Wave Dipole. 73, Don W3FPR Rob Carter wrote: > So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome (is > that an RV in your language)? > Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? > > Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? > > Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi > antennae? > > I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, but > would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could spare me a > couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that would be great. > Thanks > Rob > > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] philosophical discussion
Rob, Yes, several K2s can be found in motorhomes, I know of at least one that is on a sailboat, and one that I built for a fellow lived in an 18 wheel truck for several years, and there have been many that have been taken on DXpeditions, and many others have been used at Field Day sites. K3s can be found in similar locations too. It amazes me how many hams tend to think of radios as fragile - most of that went away with the advent of all solid state equipment. Those vacuum tubes were fragile, but solid state gear is quite hardy and will take quite a shock without damage as long as the enclosure is intact. The most probable damage points are the front panel controls connected to knobs and any connectors sticking out of the rear panel. The Elecraft tuners for the K1, K2 and K3 are of the L network type and have a large tuning range (the KX1 is limited by its small physical size). They will tune a wide range of 'normal' antennas. Like most tuners, they do have trouble with very high impedances such as an end fed Half Wave Dipole. 73, Don W3FPR Rob Carter wrote: > So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome (is > that an RV in your language)? > Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? > > Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? > > Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi > antennae? > > I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, but > would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could spare me a > couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that would be great. > Thanks > Rob > > __ 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] philosophical discussion
Hi, Have been following some of the discussions here with interest. Thanks for the friendly and positive way you deal with topics of all sorts. First of all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the team at Elecraft and any every one else in the group. My interest in Ham Radio is varied. I like the K2 for it's frugal use of DC power. I use radios in a portable realm sometimes, in the motorhome, at ILLW and Field Days.. . of course they sometimes get plugged in at home as well lol. Mainly SSB, but my CW is improving. So like all i seek the ideal radio... a go anywhere, yet still sophisticated enough to work as a base radio. A good Rx is important to me. It needs to sound smooth to the ear for extended use. The radio also needs to be stable enough for data use Currently running a FT897 as a utility radio and an old IC 740 as a field day or ILLW radio. The cool features and portability of the 897 are great and the Rx performance of the old Icom seem to be great for ILLW and Field Days, well here in New Zealand anyway, lol. Have thought to upgrade to a more highly spec portable QRP radio that can be used with an amplifier on base or in the motorhome and of course stand alone in the field. So my question is... i guess... does anyone use a K2 or K3 in a Motorhome (is that an RV in your language)? Is it tough enough for the mobile environment? Do people use the K2 or K3 as a Field Day station or Dxpedition radio? Is a K2 suitable for use on a base station with usual long wire or yagi antennae? I know some of this topic has already appeared in various magazines etc, but would value your insights. Your time is valuable, but if you could spare me a couple of lines re your experiences with using the radios that would be great. Thanks Rob __ 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
