[Elecraft] K1 as "big rig"

[KENNETH ROBERT MCGUIRE]

On Sat, 23 Feb 2002, Michael Serio wrote:

> I am requesting opinions/advice as to purchasing a K1 as a main
> station rig.  Currently running a very old tired Ten Tec Argosy, and
> would very much like to upgrade.  Money is somewhat close as have two
> kids in college.  I operate QRP CW exclusively, primarily 40,20,15 and
> the K1-4-bander intrigued me as having a decent price, relatively easy
> to build and generally good comments on performance.  I like to
> ragchew, work some DX and am interested in some contesting, mostly
> with a QPR bent Having not seen or used any Elcraft products ( I am a
> new ham) I would appreciate the advice of you seasoned air-warriors
> out there.  Thanks for your help!!!.

I am the proud builder and owner of K1 #73 and K2 #2030.  I have not built
the 4 band board for my K1 because I don't use it enough to justify the
expense...  The big brother is just that much better.

Now, I don't want the slam the K1 - it is a great little rig, and with the
new 4 band board it is much more flexible.  But the K2, for 240 more is
just in a totally differnet class.  The K2 has a much better receiver -
the TUFF mixer is just so much better than the 602.  Also the AGC is much
better on the K2.  In the K1 you have to compromise a bit - do you want
full tuning range with a touchy dial or more stable, but less
coverage?  The K2 has such flexible tuning rates that it works beautifly.

I have used my K1 as a main rig.  It works well.  It is just that I wanted
the convenience of more bands in one package, and so I ordered the
K2...  Save money and get the rig you want the first time.

Ken McGuire
KC8LTL in EN74cp
at902@tcnet.org