[CW] Elecraft performance? K1vs K2

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/5/03 5:55:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
andrew.m.moore@verizon.net writes:

> What are the differences, if any, between the Elecraft K1 and K2 in terms of
>  CW receiver performance and CW features?  Is the K2 basically the same
>  as that of the K1 in terms of CW? (except of course the K2's 100 W option).

There's a LOT of difference between the K1 and K2, even as a basic QRP CW 
rig. Both are very good CW rigs, with a lot of similarities (full QSK, very 
good sensitivity and selectivity, built-in iambic keyer, RIT, XIT, optional 
NB and ATU etc., etc.)

K1 has a maximum of 4 band coverage with 160 and 10 meters not available as 
factory options. Tuning range is selected during construction to be ~80 or 
~170 kHz on each band, and tuning rate is fixed at 10 turns for the range 
because the tuning device is a 10 turn pot. K2 is 80-10 out of the box, with 
160 as an inexpensive option. K2 covers all of each band with some overlap, 
and tuning rate is push-button selectable, typically 1/5/100 kHz per turn. 
Tuning device is an optical encoder.

K2 receiver performance is superior in all respects except power drain. K2 is 
PLL synthesized, with all the attending features (AB VFOs, memories, split, 
computer interface) while K1 has a potentiometer/varactor tuned premixer-type 
LO.

K1 options are ATU, NB, internal battery, and tilt stand. 

K2 options are ATU, NB, 160M/2nd rx ant, clock/audiofilter, internal battery, 
computer interface, 100W power module, and SSB.

A stock K2 without the 100W module will run 10-15 watts output, while K1 is 5 
watts. K2's ATU is wider range than K1's (but both have good matching range)

In short, K2 is simply "more rig" than K1. 

OTOH, K1 is smaller, lighter, less complex, easier to build and use, and less 
expensive. K1's battery drain, particularly on receive, is lower than a K2. 
(K2 tyically draws 200-300 mA on receive, which is very low for the 
performance obtained).

You can download the complete manuals for both rigs and all their accessories 
right from the website. 

http://www.elecraft.com

Standard disclaimer: My only connection is the very satisfied builder and 
user of K2 #2084

73 de Jim, N2EY