Note that this was literally my first time on the air with this K2 and didn't have the sidetone and filters configured properly for optimum audio--hence the pumping sound. Since this activation, I've properly configured it.
My wonderful XYL bought me a K2 kit for a retirement gift in 2019. She got me all of the available options, including 160M. I’ve got the internal QRP tuner you used today, but she also got me to 100 watt external tuner with the 100 watt amp. It took 9 months to build. Like you, I love the K2 and will keep it forever. The price has nearly doubled since got it.
I sold my K2 that I built in 2004 to buy my K2. I was fortunate enough to buy it back recently :). The K2 has a soul and I missed it! The band seems dead and then you find a huge signal! I also bought the CWMorse N0SA key recently. Unfortunately it had a fault but CWMorse are replacing it. Great service to the UK! 73 de Ian, G0VGS
I love CW Morse. They make decent keys at reasonable prices. I've collected 3 so far. The single lever paddle is my favourite (so far). I think my wife is going to stage an intervention if I buy any more radio stuff in 2023.
Thanks for another QSO yesterday while I was at K-9122. Always a pleasure. Glad to see you enjoying your "new" K2. And nice to recognize so many fellow CW POTA peeps in your log!
Nice addition to your "stable" of radios. Some time I hope you might comment on what options are installed. I have a K2 kitted out for QRP, meaning it has analog filter module instead of the DSP filter to reduce current draw, and the internal SLA battery, the internal 10W tuner, and SSB module.
I love my K2 it's one of my favorites. I have to replace the Battery in mine, and I think 4 of those 4Ah LiFePo cells may fit perfectly in place of that Lead Acid battery.
Years ago I bought a K2 as a father-son project. We built it on a camping trip, except that the latching relays were all missing so we could not complete it there. I still have it stored with a few upgrade kits that are calling out for attention. You inspire me to work on it again. One mod I made was to epoxy a palm paddle base to the side panel. Another was to put a lithium battery pack inside on the battery tray, one of the earliest lithium powered Elecrafts. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
Got the K2 Kit with SSB a few years back and assembled it tuned it up, but didn't get the mic. Spent a few months listening with it from my apartment, SSB on 10 and 20m, with a homebrew buddipole, and then it got stuck in the closet for a few years. Just pulled it out a few days ago, ordered a MH4 mic from Elekraft and looking into learning CW. Will probably order a CW Morse Key to practice with as they seem to be priced right. Wish I could afford to buy another K2 kit as I really enjoyed the assembly process. My one and only HF radio and looking forward to making some contacts.
Thanks for taking us along. I am looking forward to purchasing the N0SA paddles from CWmorse. I have a set of CWmorse paddles I’m using for POTA, but time to upgrade. Just waiting to get notified when they’ll be available. Thanks - Mat - K4OCY
I was using a PackTenna 9:1 Random Wire antenna. Details are in the field report on QRPer.com. (Check in the description for the direct link) 73! Thomas