[Elecraft] K1 vs. KX1 Smackdown

[John C Ceccherelli]

<Any comments detailing the comparison between the two rigs using the
<same antenna to ascertain the receive performance on CW? While I don't
<feel that the rigs compete against each other, I am interested in how
<well the KX1 stacks up against the K1.

Here's my experience with my K1 (s/n 667) and KX1 (s/n 179)

Executive summary:
The K1 is a better receiver.

The K1 is probably pushing the upper limit of Gilbert cell (SA602) mixer
performance, it's going to be hard to beat.

Given what the KX1 is designed for, it's pretty darn good.  Here's what I
noticed in the November Sweepstakes contest.

Image and opposite sideband rejection isn't as good as the K1 but it's not
much of a problem either.

There's a little bit of scratchy pop on the TX/RX switchover due to a
simpler muting circuit.  Not a real problem either.

The KX1 appears to have a tad more IMD with strong near signals but hard to
tell without actually measuring it.

The KX1 puts out 4 watts max at 13.5 volts, my K1 will do 7 watts (6 on 15
meters)

The KX1 is 3 bands vs. K1 @ 4 bands

The KX1 has a nifty little reading lamp, the K1 doesn't

The KX1 tunes out of band and receives USB and LSB, the K1 doesn't

The KX1 has three rubber feet, the K1 has four--so the KX1 doesn't wiggle
around on an uneven rock or log, the K1 does.

The KX1 is 1/3 the weight and 1/4 the volume of the K1.

The KX1 has won a spot in my backpack, the K1 now has home QTH duty.

That's the way I see it anyway...

N2XE
John Ceccherelli