> >I think it's kind of an apples and oranges comparison. Besides
> >the obvious difference of kit vs wired units, the Argonaut V
> >offers 20 watts,
>
> The k2 does not?
Larry, From the Elecraft web site:
"Adjustable 0.5-10 W PEP (PA option for higher power.)"
The after-market PA option is going to be tricky for Elecraft. Neither Ten-Tec
nor MFJ were successful in convincing the FCC in
getting an outboard amp to the market, due to the strict FCC rules. One angle
might be for Elecraft to offer a 100-watt version of
the K2 (exact in every way except for the PA)...and perhaps name it the K2x or
K3. So, they engineer the K3 PA section such that by
miraculous coincidence, it fits perfectly in the K2. Since Elecraft will
require that the K3's 100-watt PA assembly be available to
those who "blow" their PAs up in smoke, it becomes available as a "replacement
part(s)." (wink-wink). Since the K2 is already a box
constructed by the purchaser, the addition of the PA module as an
option...er..ah...as a replacement part rather, becomes a simple
kitted project. That's an angle I would try....
> > many more filtering options, AM, FM,
>
> are these high value options or byproducts for not much in DSP?
Filtering and the above-quoted modes are standard, not options. Also, with a
1.5:1 shape factor, even at 300 Hz filtering, the
ArgoV is going to be a pretty serious QRM slicer.
> >general
> >coverage receive,
>
> how popular is this?
Very. Countless folks over the years have told me they avoided the purchase of
the Omni V and VI for lack of General Coverage
receive. As for me, I still prefer ham-band only rigs.
> > TCXO [optional], downloadable updates to
> >firmware, Digital mode ready, and so on.
>
> I hear k2's doing digital modes all the time
And so does my Drake C-Line. But frequency stability and dial accuracy is very
important in the digital modes.
> I have not seen a significant differentiator yet, I have a sense they are
> after the same market.
Perhaps overlapping markets. I still see the two radios appealing to different
groups for different reasons.
-Paul, W9AC
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