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Cosmetic K2 Upgrade
10 June 2013 | by 
My Elecraft K2 which is now more than 11 years old (serial #2198) has served me well, even earning me QRP DXCC (100 countries with 5 Watts) some years ago. It is still cosmetically in mint condition, except for that single item which sticks out like a sore thumb: The tuning knob.
This became very clear to me a couple of months ago when LA8OKA’s and my K2 were displayed side by side at our stand at Oslo Maker Faire. His is less than two years old, serial #7224, and they were similar except for the scratches in the faceplate of my tuning knob. If I am allowed to generalize from my knob only, it seems as if the faceplate had poor quality paint and has been replaced by a better quality version over the years.
Anyway I ordered a new one and paid the price which at present is $30.37 plus shipping. The difference is really striking and I feel like I have a new K2 now, well worth the price! The K2 now serves as my second rig, and I think it has many years of good service still to come.
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4 Responses to “Cosmetic K2 Upgrade”
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I agree regarding the faceplate, I have a K2 that is about 5 years old and I just purchased another kit to build. Right out of the box I did notice the paint finish on the new K2 is much better and has a nice gloss to it.
Mike
Yes, you’re right, the finish on the face of the new tuning knob is different and nicer also.
Have you seen the replacement knobs made by N8BX although they are more expensive they look nicer than the one you installed and instead of the finger dimple sticking out it is countersunk into the knob itself. Check out http://www.73cnc.com/product_p/k2blkmain.htm to see the plastic version which is going for 90 dollars. He also makes a bronze one, but it’s quiet a bit more expensive at $185! Wow!
Yes, it’s very nice indeed. But at a price of 3 times more, I don’t think it’s worth it – but that’s only me.