[Elecraft] k1 or KX1

[Sander Wissing]

I am not a backpacker, and built the KX1 just because of its cuteness.
But I have lately been frequenting the outdoor shops looking at
backpacks!

If you build the KX1, be prepared to become a backpacker.  Somehow just
using it on the bench connected to the beam antenna seems to limit the
radio.

Cheers
Sander Wissing
ZR6SW
KX1 - #251

>Mike,

>I own both a K1 and a KX1 and I would probably lean a bit more towards
the
>KX1 for the type of use you describe. The K1's specs are slightly
better,
>and it does have a built in speaker but the frequency coverage is
limited.
>You can choose wider coverage during assembly but at the cost of
touchier
>tuning.
>
>The KX1 has broader frequency coverage and you will be able to get to
the
>novice portion on 40. You will also be able to receive USB and LSB as
well
>as tune into Shortwave broadcasts. I've even had a few crossmode QSOs
in the
>voice portion of 20m. The receiver is hot enough and the filtering,
keyer
>and ATU (make sure you get the ATU) are all very capable. I used to
take my
>K1 on trips, but the KX1 is a much better travel rig. If I have the
extra
>space I now take my K2 in ADDITION to the KX1. I always take the KX1
and a
>VX-5R. The paddle for the KX1 is a bit 'different' than the GHD and
Palm
>Mini I usually use but the radio makes a nice base for it. At the
speeds you
>(and I) usually run at, the paddles will work fine.
>
>I'm not an elite class operator, so I cannot comment on some fine
points
>that may be important to others, but that's my opinion and I am
comfortable
>with it. I use the KX1 almost every day at work during lunch. I hook it
up
>to the log periodic at club station NY2TV. Output is usually between
1.5 and
>3 watts and I manage lots of contacts. If you're going to be in NYC at
any
>time, let me know and you can meet me at work for an audition of any of
the
>Elecraft rigs.
>
>72 and Happy Holidays,
>
>Lonnie
>NY2LJ