[Elecraft] how much harder to build: K2 vs K1?

[Mike Morrow]

LS wrote:

>I decided to go with the K1 ...

Regardless of if you later decide to build a K2, I think you'll like
the K1 enough to keep it too.  It's a very nice, very capable, great
performing compact radio.  It looks good too.

>...with 2 band module...

Now there's where I think you're making a **big** mistake.

I've owned my K1 for going on ten years now (SN 175), purchased when
two-band boards were the ONLY choice.

The four-band board was an tremendous improvement in the utility of the K1.
It more than doubled the usefulness of the K1 for me.  It can be built
using parts standard with the kit for 40m, 30m, and any two of 20m, 17m,
or 15m.  Of course, almost everybody chooses 20m, so Elecraft doesn't
mention that as an option.  I firmly believe that 15m, when band conditions
support it, is the best QRP band of them all.  So 40m, 30m, 20m, and 15m
are most people's choice.

The only real reason today for anyone purchasing a two-band board is
to provide coverage of the other two "officially supported" K1 bands,
80m and 17m.  (I re-built one of my old two-band boards for those bands.)
Or maybe to roll your own 160m or 10m boards as some have done.

The bandpass filtering on the four-band board is superior to (sharper
than) the filters on the two-band board.  So, not only do you get twice
the bands, you get better performance on both transmit and receive on
those bands.

The other option you should choose right now is the illuminated LCD.
It is a great feature, but one which is quite difficult if you decide
you want it later AFTER you've built your K1.

You can add the KAT1 and KNB1 latter, but the backlighted LCD needs to
be added during the initial build.

73,
Mike / KK5F