You may get several different opinions, but there is only one correct
answer - the kit-built Elecraft K2/100! ;-) At 5 pounds plus a
switching PS (another 5 or less), it is one of the lightest and smallest
you can carry. It way outperforms the commercially-built micro-rigs and
even beats contesting's most lauded "big" rigs. The rx is terrific in
pileups and beats the 1000MP even at home. They are hard to find used as
the 100w version just came out at Dayton, but there are some QRP
versions listed occasionally on the elecraft@qth.net reflector and
elsewhere. (Be careful buying used kit rigs, though.) The QRP version
can be upgraded to the /100 model with a reasonably priced "completion
kit" which is, in fact, the only way K2/100's are built - first the base
rig, then the amp. If you don't want to build your radio, there are
excellent builders available for hire. See http://www.elecraft.com.
If the K2/100 is over your budget for a travel radio, just sell your
current rig and use the K2 at home, too! I have a 930 and an MP and
prefer the K2 for everything except working through non-contest,
split-frequency DX pileups.
Elecraft redefines the vendor/customer relationship. Great Website,
super support group including hundreds of disciples on the reflector,
sudden response to customer needs, outstanding documentation,
vendor-encouraged modifications database, ... the works!
I'm not related to anyone at Elecraft but I do know the principals well.
They are friends and heros. If that disqualifies my comments, see the
reflector for identical commentary from outside CA.
73,
/Rick N6XI
Rick Stoneking wrote:
> All,
>
> Looking to get a radio that is a decent contest rig, but is reasonably
> small and portable. Do not want to spend a bunch of money (basically
> looking to buy a used rig) as this will not be used a tremendous amount.
>
> Any comments from the group would be much appreciated.
>
> Rick
> W2RDS
>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
>
>
--
Richard M. Tavan
TIBCO Software Inc.
3307 Hillview Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1213
tavan@tibco.com
n6xi@arrl.net
650-846-5214 Office
408-896-0476 Cell
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