[Elecraft] Re: Newbie question

[Morrow, Michael A.]

coca coca wrote:

> ... do I:
>
> 3. Get a Yaesu FT-817 becuse it's got everything built in!?

I'll not enter the discussion on K1 vs. K2, except to say I like
my K1 tremendously.  (Should you go that route, buy the four-band
version.)

Regarding the FT-817:

(1)  The FT-817 is very broad for CW work if you don't install
     the CW filter option.  The K1 has good CW selectivity as is.
(2)  The FT-817 is a power hog, consuming about 400 mA on receive
     and a couple of amps on transmit, for five watts out.  The K1
     consumes about 60 mA on receive, and about 800 to 900 mA for
     seven watts out.
(3)  The FT-817 iambic keyer functions ONLY in mode B.  This alone
     would nix that unit for me.  The K1 has selectable mode A or
     B.
(4)  The FT-817 has no internal antenna tuner option.  Instead,
     a substantial amount of space in the case is wasted for a
     useless AA battery pack good for only short periods of
     operation, given the very high power drain.
(5)  The FT-817 is a lot heavier than the K1.

On the other hand, you can listen to shortwave broadcasts and use
SSB with the FT-817.

73,
Mike / KK5F