[Elecraft] Which k1-2 bands

[Morrow, Michael A.]

Daniel Reynolds wrote:
 
> ...I'm thinking of buying a K1-2...The K1 will become my
> main rig...

Steve/KZ1X responded:

> I didn't get the K1 until the 4 band version came out...it's
> WELL worth the extra $35 (each) for the two bonus bands.

In my humble opinion, truer words have never been written!  

I built K1 #175 more than two years ago, with 40/20m and 30/15m two-band
filter boards.  Swapping filter boards was not much fun with the KAT1
antenna tuner present, and the KBT1 internal battery bracket makes board
swaps even more challenging.  Thus, the 40/20m board stayed installed 99
percent of the time.  I ordered the four-band filter board (40/30/20/15m)
the instant that I read its announcement.  It much more than doubled the
utility of my K1.  I wouldn't consider for even a moment ordering a two-band
K1 after the four-band model became available.  Since you state that this
will be your main rig, I'd really suggest that you consider strongly the
four-band option.

The four-band board seemed to be easier to align, and the maximum power
output on any band was usually greater, compared to the two-band board.  The
alignment peaks were sharper, however.  In order to maintain the capability
of a full seven watts out over the full 150 kHz span on 40m, I had to double
the size of C10 and CK on the filter board.  I assume you'll also be using
the 150 kHz (actually 170 kHz seems to be the typical result) VFO span
option.

I re-built my old 40/20m two-band board for 80/17m, so now I have boards for
all six "official" K1 bands.  Since old two-band boards are something of a
white elephant now, it should be easy to find someone with a cheap surplus
board that you could re-build if you wanted 80/17m coverage.  Elecraft sells
the necessary parts for about $7.50 per band, I recall.

The K1 will make a pretty good interim main rig.  I consider it an inspired
addition to the Elecraft product line.  It's the best (IMHO) QRP rig out
there for portable use while backpacking/camping.

73,
Mike / KK5F