[Elecraft] Re: This is one reason we consider the four-band K1 to be an ideal home QRP CWrig

[Mike Morrow]

N2XE wrote:

> I think it's pretty funny that only 6 months ago we were all singing the
> praises for the K1 in backpack applications.

I agree.  The K1 remains an excellent *outdoor* rig, even though the KX1 has
eclipsed it in the minds of some.  I find *no* reason to agree with postings
which claim that the KX1 is a more "refined" K1.  In reality the reverse is
true, if RF performance is of any importance in a radio.  The K1 is a small
and lightweight unit.

I always search 15 meters first when turning on my K1.  Even with the
current sunspot conditions, every once in a while 15 meters is a fantastic
band, especially for a *portable* rig and antenna.  When the sunspot cycle
is good, 15 meters is THE band for QRP ops.  Due, I'm sure, to DDS chip
clocking limitations, the KX1 does not have 15 meters.  I'd choose a K1 for
many reasons, but none so important as its 15 meter coverage.

I am also one who is unconvinced that top mounted controls are "trail
friendly" at all.  I prefer the traditional controls, yet I recognize that
it is easier and less expensive to produce a top mount control system like
the KX1 than a front mount like the K1.

When outdoors, I need a radio that will cover the standard AM/FM broadcast
bands, therefore I carry a Sony ICF-7600G-series or a Grundig YB-300 to get
great standard AM/FM and shortwave AM (and SSB with the Sony) coverage.   I
don't need my QRP rig to provide just some of that coverage.

From what I gather from KX1 reports, and  from the use of my S.W.L.
DSW-20/30/40 DDS rigs, the only area where the KX1 provides superior *RF*
performance as a CW ham band rig is VFO stability.  A DDS chip will always
be more temperature-stable than  a L-C VFO.  Yet I've always been pleased at
how temperature stable my K1 is.

As others have mentioned, the K1 RF power output, audio (and speaker)
output, crystal filter, SFDR/IMD, and ATU performance is better.  The K1
four-band filter board covers 40, 30, and any two of the 20, 17, or 15 meter
bands.  Additionally, a two-band board can be installed for 80 and whichever
of the 20, 17, or 15 meter bands weren't built into the four-band board, to
give six band coverage.

All that said, I *do* intend to get a KX1.  Ignoring the lack of 15 meter
coverage, I'd say that the KX1 is a very neat and capable design.  I'm
waiting for someone to produce a clamshell-type cover for the KX1 that will
prevent the controls from getting mashed in a pack.  Such protection *is*
needed for a truely "trail friendly" design.  I'd even like to have
something like that for the front panel of my K1.

73
Mike / KK5F