[TenTec] TT wants to go nose to nose with the K2????

[Paul Christensen]

> >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