[Elecraft] K1 high demand...

[Paul Huff]

My wife gave me a K1 kit for a combination Christmas and birthday gift 
in 2003.  After about 33 hours of super fun construction, it made its 
first QSO on 2/29/2004.  Some 2037 QSOs later it was "retired" to a 
shelf, after making its last (for me) QSO in May 2018.  It was an 
absolutely fantastic radio and the only reason that I retired it was 
because, over the subsequent years, I had also built a KX1 for portable 
ops, and a K2 to use as my main rig at home.  Two years ago, after 
getting a KX3, I decided to clear up some shelf space and "simplify" the 
shack, so I donated the K1, along with a bunch of other gear, to an ARC 
in my area that runs some public school clubs for middle and high school 
students.  I almost immediately regretted getting rid of the K1, but 
take some comfort in knowing that it has since been used to encourage 
young people to get into the hobby.  (I still have my KX1, K2, KX3, and 
have an order in for a KH1, and will probably leave those for my heirs 
to donate!)

I kept a detailed written record of my K1 build, and this posting 
prompted me to read through that record.  Some great memories!

73,
Paul - N8XMS