[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Thor, n9ik]

I just have to gush about K1-4 # 1065.  I have shown it to a few people that
all commented on the very professional design, construction and
documentation.  In addition, I've used it during the past couple weeks to
make quite a few QRPp contacts with hams around the country.  I use the
lowest power possible, usually 100mW, sometimes 500mW, and I consistently am
getting 559, 579, and even 599 reports, and in every case I've gotten
positive comments on the signal put out by "that little box" as I usually
hear it described.  Only a couple times have I needed to use "lots" of
power - once 1W, and twice I had to crank it up to 5W.  Today I made a
contact in Washington State (I'm in the Chicago area) punching through poor
propagation between us and lots of QRM, using 5W and was given a 529 report
(the lowest report I've yet received), but turned around and was given a 579
by a ham in Texas, when I was putting out only 100mW.

All this is icing on the cake for me, as actually building it was a lot of
fun, and very gratifying when it came out right the first time.  I can't say
enough positive things about the tremendous job done with the kit, the
packaging, and the documentation.  All was put together in a way that made
it extremely easy to put it together properly, and difficult for a two
thumbed, ham-fisted klutz like me to screw it up.

I'm eagerly looking forward to being able to build a K2.  Hopefully I'll
have my pennies saved by summer.

73,

 - Thor, N9IK