[Elecraft] K1 VS K2

[Vic Rosenthal]

Richard Lim wrote:


> Given the K2 has phone capabilities and the K1 CW only, I'm just trying to
> get a feel for what seems to get used more by the list members.  I'm leaning
> toward building a K1, but I don't want it to be another "neat" rig which
> isn't used all that often, sure I can use it for travel, but that really
> isn't going to be my main purpose.  

I currently have a K2; I don't have a K1 yet, but I'm planning to get 
one.  So here's what I think:

The K2 is a full-featured home station radio that is also small enough 
to take with you.  But it can be your only rig and you needn't lack for 
HF capability.  The only reason I keep my TS850s is for SWLing and 
because it makes a great accurate signal generator.

The K1 is much smaller, lighter, and uses less power.  It is PERFECT for 
travel, but it lacks features that you might want in a home station (no 
ssb, only 4 bands at a time, no 160 or 10 meter capability, limited 
tuning range, QRP only, etc.)

Frankly, I wouldn't be happy with a K1 as my only home station rig. 
However, since I saw it in the flesh I've begun to feel that I 
absolutely have to have one for a portable rig to go camping with -- now 
the K2 seems too big and clumsy for that.

Vic K2VCO