[Elecraft] K1 vs. K2

[eric norris]

If you haven't built anything before, I would suggest NOT building a K2 right out of the block.  It could overwhelm you.  There are more than a thousand parts to a K2 (with some options, at least).  It took me 40-50 hours to build the basic K2, plus more for the options.  I would strongly suggest building an XG2 signal generator or one of the other minimodule kits first just to get your soldering mojo going.  In my opinion the XG2 is the most useful of all the mini-module kits.  I use mine all the time for aligning boat anchors, comparing rigs, playing with the cat, etc etc.  YMMV 

If you decide to grind a 12" telescope mirror experts will always tell you it's quicker if you actually grind a 6" mirror first, then a 12" mirror because you will make your learning mistakes when they are easy to correct.  The same goes for building a mini-module kit or kits--start out that way, the K2 build will go more smoothly.  

That said building my K2 was an unbelievable experience--I loved it.   Elecraft Support is tremendous.  Really.  If the K2 is what you really want, just get your feet wet first then GOPHER BAROQUE.

Of course, you could build a K1 then a K2....is it too much to ask for both?  Have fun!

73, Eric WD6DBM  

A guy in for a lot of fun wrote;;;

I'm considering building a K2, but here's my situation. I'd be a first-time
kit builder, I've never had the opportunity to build and the K2 looks like
it'd be great fun and a great learning experience. The K1 sounds like it's
the better choice for a first-time build, but the K2 matches what I need in
a radio a lot better --SNIP--