[Elecraft] Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide

[David Y.]

Well, the decision seems to have been made, so this is probably too late to 
have much meaning.  However, I will add a few comments since I have both 
rigs.

The K1 is a very nice rig.  Until I had the 4 band version, however, I was 
disappointed in it's utility for my type of operating.  I had the 2nd band 
board, but changing it was way too much effort.  Now I am much happier.

The K1, reasonably loaded, runs over $500 now.  That's not cheap, but it is 
a very FB rig.  The KX-1 is about $100 less, which may be an incentive.

The KX-1 is much easier to pack, and I really like small rigs.  The KX-1 
fits in my computer case--the K1 does not.

My biggest complaint about the KX-1 is power output.  I've never been able 
to get much more than 2.5 watts from it, and that isn't on all bands.  I had 
lots of discussions with tech support about this, and not too much success 
getting it closer to the 4 watt advertised output.  I've also had my hands 
on a few others, and they seem to run around the same output.  The K1, on 
the other hand will do 6 to 8 watts--a big difference sometimes.

The KX-1 is now only available for two bands, or 4 bands.  The 4th band is 
80 meters, which I consider a poor choice for QRP.  The bigger problem 
usually is an antenna for that band.  My version is the older one with the 
30 meter module added.  That suffices for my needs.  The K1 will do 17 
meters (a good trade-off for 80 meters in my view).  I really like 17 
meters, and have had lots of good DX contacts there.

The KX-1 is a harder build.  If you are careful though, you should be fine. 
Something that small has to be a little cramped in a few places.

In a contest, like FD or something, you probably will wish you had a K1. 
The KX-1 "contests" too, but not nearly as comfortably.

Overall, I'd opt for the KX-1.  Notwithstanding the lower output, if 
conditions are reasonable you should still be O.K.  Don't plan on any long 
ragchews though!  This little rig is so clever, you can't help but be 
impressed with it each time you pull it out.  You can even do some BC band 
listening.  You need some good, sensitive earphones.  Audio is a little 
wimpy from the KX-1.

I'd also suggest not mounting batteries internally in either rig.  For one 
thing, it adds weight, but more importantly I actually find it less 
convenient.  A small, AA pack runs the KX-1 nicely, and for a fairly long 
period of time.  Having the batteries outside reduces risk of acid leaks 
too.  Yeah, I know!  You should remove them when not in use, but who doesn't 
forget sometimes?  The K1 needs a little bigger battery really  (since it 
runs more power), but a 2ah, or 4ah battery is sufficient, and can be packed 
easily outside the rig.  The overall weight is the same--just where you put 
it changes.

Both rigs have good points and bad points.  Some overlap.  How you plan to 
use it dictates.  The good news is that either rig is a winner.

Dave W7AQK




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Dettinger" <k7mw78 at gmail.com>
To: "Doug Person" <doug at northroutt.net>
Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 9:25 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide


> >
>> I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. And, no, I
>> can't
>> buy both.
>>
>>
>> 73, Doug -- K0DXV
>>
>
> The only advantage the KX1 has over the K1 is the small size and the
> ability to operate on the phone bands, cross mode, of course.  This
> allows checking into the phone nets  to pass traffic.  The K1 is a
> better rig in all other respects.  I built a K1, sold it to get a KX1
> and than sold that to get another K1.  For my needs, the K1 is a
> better rig.
>
> 73,
>
> Rick Dettinger   K7MW
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