|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
You can
write your own review of the Elecraft K2.
|
IW1DFU
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Dec 10, 2011 03:30
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Amazing Little RIG
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
After more than 3 months, I decided to write somethings about this rig.
I've purchised a K2 after several years thinking about it. What made me thinking so mouch was the high price for a kit. I was ordering a kit from USA when I found an used one. My K2 is a QRP version with internal battery, AF filters and tuner, so is a full optional one :).
I started to chek the rig and then I've made all the allignment procedures. I've found that the previus owner has not made a lot of allignments and then the radio was not able to be the good performer as he expected it has to be.
Now, after some hours spent in tuning and modding, I'm vy please to use this rig.
Let me say that I'm a 99% CW operator, so this review is dedicated to this mode.
On my desk I've also IC746pro (IC7400 in Eu) and a FT1000MKV.
Yes, the K2 has not a lot of features that other two rigs have, but the reciver is so quite, sensible and able to pick up a small signal in the QRM, that sometimes I'd like to use as a first rig in my shack.
Unfortunatly It has only 15 W and sometimes I need more.
I've made a small mods with an internal relay to switch the ptt of my old FL2100Z and so I'm able to run with abt 200W if needed.
one things that you have to keep in mind when you think to compare K2 with some other rig, is that it's solid like a rock.. and this is a radio where you can put your hand inside, modding, and, firs of all, it has inside ALL THE INSTRUMENT TO BE FULLY TUNED.
If you build it by your ownself, you will love it as a son. If you buy an used one, you can find this feeling by tuning and modding, adding some options and so on.
Yes it costs al lot of money for a kit and you are payng the project not only the rig.. But the reciver is something amazing and it has performances comparable with top recivers.
Elecraft on their side, are great. Good service, fast delivery of spare and options, kind and very prompt answers.
I'm apoliged onnly for one thing: I've bought mine ready built... But in the future I'm thinking to build a second one, toaly mine ;).
73 de Fabio, IW1DFU.
|
|
AC7A
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 11, 2011 08:16
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
The ultimate in QRP transceiver performance!
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
The K2 receiver performance proves to be a marvel even after 12 years after its introduction. I have both the K2/10 and the K2/100. I’ve used the K2/10 since 1999 and it is provides the performance and features I had always wanted in a QRP transceiver. It is my main QRP radio and the radio I use most often. I have had the K2/100 for about 3 or 4 years and the 100W PA is helpful when conditions are marginal, or when contesting.
My experience with the K2 radios can be summed up in saying that I have never been disappointed in the least with their performance. The receiver front-end is nearly bullet proof, yet the noise floor and sensitivity are such that you can always hear the weakest of signals. The selectable bandwidth IF filter settings track wonderfully and the signal loss is minimal as you set the filter to the increasingly more narrow bandwidths. I never lose a weak signal due to filter tracking and/or added attenuation like I’ve experienced with double conversion receivers using cascaded crystal filters. Also, there is something to be said about the signal clarity of an all analog signal path. DSP provides great features and flexibility, but it still doesn’t sound as clean to me as an all analog signal path.
The K2 transmitter in CW mode has been flawless and the break-in characteristics are smooth and transparent in operation. My K2/100 does have the latest firmware which slows the CW edges eliminating any possibility of a wide or clicky signal. I expected the fan would come more often than it does and even in contest mode it seldom does while operating CW at 80 to 100W. I am not a high QSO/min operator so that may be the reason. Since I hardly ever operate SSB I can’t provide a good assessment of the K2 performance in that mode.
Whether you like to assemble your radios or just want high-end receiver performance in a small package the K2 is one to own.
|
|
KL7AC
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Aug 6, 2011 20:03
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
A lot of fun
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
My K2 is number 648 and is my rig of choice when out in the Bush of Alaska. I have all of the options installed save for the 100W amp.
Super nice, antenna tuner plays well with the 80M dipole I lug around. Made several phone patches with the XYL from the middle of nowhere while on my recent Denali Highway Trek.
It is not a super trail friendly radio, kind of delicate. Keep it in a hard side case and it will do the job. Cannot wait for the KX3!
|
|
WA2PJI
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 6, 2010 17:59
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Amazing Rig!
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
|
Many great things have already been said about this radio, but two things are clear standouts: First, the receiver is first rate - a combination of good sensitivity and blocking dynamic range, even with close-in signals. (I like the KAF2 audio filter by the way.) And, second, the rig is intuitive, making it very easy to use, despite the fact it offers an array of functions comparable with much more expensive radios. For someone like me, who operates 90 percent CW and digital modes, this rig is the best!
|
|
KJ6FNB
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Apr 30, 2010 11:28
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Another happy owner
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I wonder if the folks at Elecraft ever get tired of the rave reviews on this radio! Yes, I just read them all, looking for my next option.
I'm a new ham, and this is my second HF rig. I originally bought it as a backup to my IC-7000 that runs digital modes most of the time. The poor IC-7K hasn't been touched since the K2 got finished.
I "dropped in" to the Elecraft HQ location on the central coast of CA and walked out with the K2, SSB and 160m options. This was about 4/18/10. I had the unit online 6 days later, about 50 hours in.
It's really something to be "comfortable" with one radio, then fire up the K2 with the same tuners, antennas, etc. It's like a different world out there... My antenna switch is wearing out by going between the two, my jaw on the floor each time the K2 get's the skyhooks.
Add the serial IO and HRD+DM780 and WOW! What a digital platform!
Support? Second to none. Missing parts shipped same day. E-mail responses in minutes. They treat every customer as their "most important one" and it shows. And yes, the staff will ragchew a bit...
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said over and over... The only caution I have to prospective buyers is that this thing is ADDICTING! You start with the base K2 and you are already thinking about options and upgrades before you even put the cover on.
I'm torn between the KAF2 and the DSP module. They both get good reviews, but think the AF2 might be a better fit for my digital needs and budget right now. The 100W is a no brainer and will be coming soon...
What can I say that hasn't already been said? It's a 5/5 review from this newbie...
|
|
W2BPI
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Apr 1, 2010 18:27
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great rig!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
Ordered and rcvd in 2 days. Had it up and running less than a week. Added the ATU and audio filter. Missing 2 parts for tuner and rcvd them 2 days later. Had a problem when I added the tuner. E-mailed Elecraft and had a answer same day. My error. This radio works great. I replaced my IC-746PRO with this rig and am not sorry. With only 10 watts I have worked a lot of DX. I also own the K1. I use it for camping and portable work. This Company makes great rigs. The help from them is terrific.
|
|
W9VNE
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 15, 2010 07:54
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
more fun than I ever imagined
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I built mine in the Autumn of 2001. Took my time and only had minor glitches (my fault). Finished a few days before the CQ WW CW contest of 2001. My first version was just the K2 low power version. I operated the first 7 hours of the contest on 40 meter CW at 15 watts output. My antenna was a ground mounted 40 meter vertical with 35 radials. After 7 hours on 40 meters I had worked 50 countries (7 hours). After sleeping a few hours I used the same antenna on 15 meters (3/4 wave vertical) for a few hours. I added an additonal 20 countries before lunch. So in less than 10 hours at 15 watts and a vertical I had 70 different countries worked.
After a few months my K2 grew to inlcude every option that is available for a K2. They all work quite well. The rig now runs 100 watts output.
I have taken my K2 on trips to the Caribbean too. See VQ5FOC at the web site QRZ.COM for some photos. I have operated from there as VQ5FOC and also VP5/W9VNE. I have been able to work pileups on me at rates approaching 200 an hour. That receiver works so great that I operate without using the filters. I use my brain to separate the signals. I learned that back in the 1950s when we did not have fancy receivers.
This rig is approaching 9 years of age. I have not had a single problem with it during that period of time. I also own an Elecraft K3 , the 100 watt version too. Also a Ten Tec Omni 6+ and a well modified TS 930S. So I am used to operating great rigs. Yet, I travel with the K2. A great testimony for a small rig. I love it.
|
|
KC0FNS
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 24, 2010 17:53
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
10W K2 is FB for my small rig space and crowded city lot
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
I bought my 10W K2 years ago, second hand, with noise blanker, antenna tuner, SSB interface, internal battery and 160M kit. In the 5+ years that I have had K2 #559, I have used the K2 mobile, fixed and even with temporary wire antennas. Because of the community of knowledgeable folks on the web and the elecraft email list and Elecraft staff, I have been able to repair and maintain all the little glitches, and learn to use most every little feature this gem has to offer.
Since signals are often low when I want to operate, I love the scan feature of the K2 while I am at my computer. A friend loaned me a TenTec Jupiter which I used for a couple of years, but I ultimately found the K2 much easier to operate and service.
Right now, some of the close in signal handling capabiltiy is lost on me, as I use small antennas, but the filters are ready and capable when I need them. Lately I have started to use the SSB, and find QRP SSB to be fun!
To me, the front panel is easy to use, and the secondary functions of the buttons become second nature, even for a casual operator like myself. Over the years, I have had a few commercial HF radios now and this is the only one that I won't part with.
73,
Mark - KC0FNS, Colorado Springs, CO
|
|
KG4WEZ
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 24, 2010 08:11
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great radio, great kit!
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
|
I missed the Heathkit era, wanted to build something, the manual is excellent and it is obvious that one reviewer did not read it! It is so much fun to build that I am considering buying another K2. As to the performance: I reached the Russian research station in Antartica on 20m at midnight from North Carolina in the worst band conditions with 30 watts on PSK31. On SSB I get New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa with 100w on 20m. I know the band conditions are bad but this seems to be able to hear these station and make contact. BTW I am using a Carolina Windom at 33ft (not a beam!). Great radio designed by hams for hams! Start with the mini kits first then get the courage to tackle the K2.
|
|
VK3GMO
|
Rating: 4/5
|
Nov 23, 2009 18:40
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
OK but
|
Time owned: 6 to 12 months
|
I have been out of ham radio since valves were the only go. I was attracted to the K2 due to the "state of the Art" reputation. My build went ok but seems I had one wind extra on my toroids...didn't realise the first pass through the core represented a wind. Learned my lesson. The unit was checked and aligned by an Elecraft technician. BTW I bought a Yaesu FT 840 to get on the air quickly on Ebay for $440 AUD. Best way to summarise the K2 is to compare. Sensitivity....goes to the 840 primarily due to better audio quality. The K2 can be fine tuned to exceed the 840 but by the time you have done that the station has likely disappeared. Transmit, audio reports on the K2 with the Elecraft mike are ordinary but signal was good. wouldn't claim a practical difference here, both put out above 100 watts according to my wattmeter.
Useability I would give the 840 the edge. If I had had an opportunity to test both, I would have gone for the 840 as the price differential is huge. Documentation is good for building the Elecraft but troubleshooting doco is only going to get you close. I also built the K2 ATU and the combination is truly great. Tunes quickly and seems to match anything...but being an old timer I am well used to manual tuning. Summary, I am not convinced technology has truly advanced so far in the last 50 years. Guess that is why there is such a premium on some of the old gear. I would be interested in other views as I seem to be the odd one out here!
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
