[Elecraft] Re: K1: Advice on Options

[Dave G4AON]

Dave

1. I find my K1 a bit coarse on tuning even when set to the 75 KHz 
tuning range.
2. Can't help, here in Europe CW only runs from 7.00 to 7.035 or so on 40m.
3. A: KAT1 only has limited range but it is effective when tuning 
antennas provided you prune your antenna to suit. It works fine on most 
antennas and is not a problem with most reasonable antennas. I slightly 
modified my KAT1 to give better tuning on my home doublet on 80m/40m, 
details at: http://www.astromag.co.uk/pdfs/g4aon_kat1_mods.pdf
3. B: Not got one or any pulse noise in need of blanking.
3. C: I personally don't think the battery holder option is worthwhile, 
using 8 NiMh cells (internal battery holder limit) would restrict the 
power output to about 3 Watts, although 1.5 Volt cells would be OK as 
they give 12 Volts. I've heard of issues with freshly charged warm/hot 
batteries causing the K1 to drift when first fitted, it may or may not 
be an issue. I use an external pack of 10 x NiMh cells in a small 
plastic project box, this is another box to carry but does allow for 
full output from the K1.

You didn't mention band/board choice... I have the four band board set 
at 40/30/20/15 and a two band board with 80/40. If you do plan to change 
boards and have the internal ATU, one tip is to thread a rubber band 
through each of the spacers to hold them on their bolts while swapping 
boards. If you go that route you will see what I mean.

I have the wide range tilt stand and that is quite neat for using the 
rig on a bench with the shorter arms.

73 Dave, G4AON
K1, K2 and K3/100 (no KX1...)
______________________

I'm about to order a K1, and thought I'd ask your opinions about various
options and configuration choices.

1. I understand the tuning range can be set to either 75kHz or 150kHz.
My inclination is to go with the 75kHz range, for the slower tuning rate.

2. Somewhat related to 1), will I be better off with a range of
7000-7075kHz or 7025-7100kHz, or possibly some other coverage.

3. What are your thoughts on the following options? In particular, are
they effective, and are any of them much easier to install during
initial assembly (as opposed to being retrofit)?
A. KAT1 Antenna Tuner
B. KNB1 Noise Blanker
C. KBT1 Battery Holder

Thanks and 73,

Dave KQ3T