Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Scott Richardson wrote >... The K1 zenith appears to have passed. Hi Scott, I don't think this is the case. The K1 was an amazingly mature product when it first appeared in Fall 2000. By this I mean that it performed its intended functions well and had very few bugs. Rigs with problems get the most discussion and modifications and backfits. >... I also consider the 4-band board and antenna tuner to be >essential K1 accessories. I do too. In particular, I can't imagine why anyone would order a two-band K1. There is still a place for the two-band filter boards, however. Build a 40/30/20/15m four-band K1, and then add a 80/17m two-band board to give you all six official K1 bands. >At this stage, I would be much less enthusiastic about a 2-band K1 >sans tuner. I don't think that such "standard" can compete with the KX1. To be fair, the KX1 *must* be contrasted to a four-band K1. As I went to some length to detail in a posting several days ago, the K1's performance as a CW ham band only radio is better than that of the KX1 in a significant number of areas. The KX1 is, however, a good radio and is cuter than the K1 to some, for what that's worth. As far as Elecraft's support of the K1 is concerned, the only HF bands not supported are 160 meters (ok, that's MF), and 12 and 10 meters. I suspect only a few are interested in 160m QRP, and fewer of those are likely to be trying it from portable locations. I also suspect that the performance of a 602-based receiver such as in the K1 on 12 and 10 meters would be less than stellar, though I could be wrong. With the declining sunspot cycle, the matter grows academic for the time being. I'm left wondering what other support Elecraft could show for the K1. I can only think of a few minor items: (1) Update the K1 manual to eliminate the last few errors that are contained in the last revision of almost three years ago. One error in particular results in help requests to this list, even though all are covered in the errata sheet. (2) Correct the Elecraft website's K1 quick reference guide to eliminate the erroneous info shown for the NB and INP functions that have been there for almost three years. (3) Update the KBT1 and K1 RF-PCB design so that the KBT1 can be removed by disconnecting from a connector on the RF-PCB. (4) Provide a simple permanently mounted front panel lifting bail in lieu of the complex KTS1. (5) Provide LCD display backlight. (6) Provide any components required for 80m operation that aren't installed on a 80m filter board as standard parts for all K1s (such as RF-RFC8 and RF-C78). (7) Provide PCB circuit trace diagrams in the manual. I'm not interested in power amps, SSB mods, transverters, etc., even if they were practical for the K1. For that there's the K2. In my opinion, overall the K1 is still the best small QRP CW portable rig made by anyone. 73, Mike / KK5F K1 no. 175 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Actually, many manufacturers with multiple but similar models, often have lapses of keeping everything updated. Things get busy with more than one product to sell, accessories and parts to sell, and keeping up with parts inventory for different designs. Not to mention, current production orders to tend! Even in R&D, we get confused after a year, if one or another prototype incorporated this or that feature, or got completely written up in a report. And after 28 years, as we recently had to do, finding information on something in our own files is a REAL project! Thus, it may not be intentional, just stuff falls thru the cracks--- 72, Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Mike noted (among other things): > the K1 Quick Reference Card ... still has several errors that were pointed out more than two years ago. I also ran into a critical area where K1 web info was well behind the times (though the reference was updated when I pointed it out). I took this (correctly or not) as an indication of Elecraft inattention to continued refinement and development of the K1. I'd like to be wrong, but I think the K1 heydey is past. That's understandable, because Elecraft is busy with other interesting and exciting work revolving around the bread-and-butter rig... and maybe busy with some fascinating new projects. The mod world is pretty quiet, too. The K1 zenith appears to have passed. This reflector is just reflecting K1 senescence. (Again, "I'd like to be wrong.") Incidentally, I also consider the 4-band board and antenna tuner to be essential K1 accessories. Because I have them, I wrongly assume that everyone has "upgraded." At this stage, I would be much less enthusiastic about a 2-band K1 sans tuner. I don't think that such a "standard" can compete with the KX1. Scott N1AIA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
I got my K1 originally with the KBT1 option. I too didn't like having to hasstle with changing batteries/removing to recharge. The worst thing was the smaller speaker. My old ears needed more oomph! I sold it off too very soon after I installed it. I have had very good results with the Ni-MH batteries. Mine don't seem to self discharge near as fast as the old Ni-Cads did. Ni-Cads were the "pits" as a cell frequently would go down and spoil the whole pack. I use mostly 1.5 and 2 A/H Ni-MH batteries in a 10 cell external holder. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: "Michael Babineau" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 4:02 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? | Mike Morrow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | | >I had the KBT1 installed for 18 months before permanently removing it. | I like the larger original speaker much better than the >micro speaker | of the KBT1, and I don't like having potential chemical leakage sources | inside the K1 case. It's also awkward to >recharge the KBT1 pack. | | Mike : | | I also have a K1 and the KBT1 is the only option I don't have. I did | purchase it and build it but didn't | install it for basically the same reasons that you removed yours. I | ended up selling it eventually. | | Based on my experiences with the KX1 and Lithium AA cells, I think if I | was to consider the KBT1 option | again I would put non-rechargable Lithium cells in the K1 and run the | Rig at 3W. Current draw should | be similar to the KX1 so that would give about 20 or so hours of | operating which is pretty good. | The problem with the KBT1 and rechargables is that NIMH cells don't | hold a full charge very long | so one has to open the rig up remove, recharge and reinstall the | batteries prior to each outing which | isn't too convenient. | | With my KX1 I most often power it externally with a 10 AA Nimh pack but | it is nice to have the internal | cells at times and with Lithium cells the shelf life of the batteries | is very long ... very handy if you | forget to bring the external NiMH pack along, which I have done on | occasion. | | Michael VE3WMB | | P.S. I love my KX1 but my K1 stills gets used. I decided to go with the | K1 for Field Day mainly because of the | extra output power and slightly more robust receiver and I wasn't | disappointed with how it performed. | If I could only have one QRP CW rig for home and field use it would be | a K1. | | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders
Hi Mike, KK5F: >In short, I know of no other QRP rig made that has the features I need for portable ops served as well as found in the K1. I bought the K1, even though it was a kit, because there was (and is) no equivalent rig available anywhere else. Preface: First I'll state that I have a K2 and am extremely happy with it. Second, if it's heresy to mention other rigs on this reflector, I do so in the hope it may be some feedback to Wayne and Eric for future product ideas. Third, the rig I mention is no longer in production, so hopefully it will not steal sales from any Elecraft products. I wanted a lightweight rig for portable use and decided on KD1JV's AT Sprint II. I was also intrigued to build something with primarily SMT devices for my own education. I decided on the ATS2 for the following reasons: Cost: $205 shipped (no options) Band coverage: 80/40/30/20 with DDS/VFO/RIT and audio freq annunciation Weight: 5.5 oz excluding batteries RX Battery consumption: 25 ma TX power: 2.5W @ 9V and 4.5W @ 12V Plus factors: *SMT was FUN (but a magnifier is a must) *It's cute (so is the KX1!) *It's small (19 cu in vs 21 for KX1). *It's very light. I became interested in the ARS Spartan Sprints which have a "skinny" division for lightweight rigs, and wanted a rig which would cover 20-40-80. For the last Sprint, my total weight including 9V battery, paddle, earphones and all 3 band modules was 9.4 ounces (0.59 pounds). ARS' definition of weight includes everything up to the antenna connector. *Keyer with 63 character memory included. Minus factors: *NE602 front end overloads on 40m with my 190' doublet up 80' at home. KD1JV helped me improve the rejection some and the 20 dB attenuator also helps, but it's still no K2 or Orion. *Band changes are by physically exchanging front-end modules. *All control is by clicking switches or keyer input. The latter came easily since I've used a Logikey for years. The former has a learning curve as a VFO but works OK once you learn it. *No internal antenna tuner possible. I use an Emtech ZM-2 which I like better since I can remote it at the bottom of a half-wave vertical in the field (which a ZM-2 matches easily). Steve says he is working on an ATS-3 which will be even smaller, lighter and should improve the RX front end. Based on my experience with the ATS-2, I'll be very interested to see what he comes up with. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Mike Morrow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >I had the KBT1 installed for 18 months before permanently removing it. I like the larger original speaker much better than the >micro speaker of the KBT1, and I don't like having potential chemical leakage sources inside the K1 case. It's also awkward to >recharge the KBT1 pack. Mike : I also have a K1 and the KBT1 is the only option I don't have. I did purchase it and build it but didn't install it for basically the same reasons that you removed yours. I ended up selling it eventually. Based on my experiences with the KX1 and Lithium AA cells, I think if I was to consider the KBT1 option again I would put non-rechargable Lithium cells in the K1 and run the Rig at 3W. Current draw should be similar to the KX1 so that would give about 20 or so hours of operating which is pretty good. The problem with the KBT1 and rechargables is that NIMH cells don't hold a full charge very long so one has to open the rig up remove, recharge and reinstall the batteries prior to each outing which isn't too convenient. With my KX1 I most often power it externally with a 10 AA Nimh pack but it is nice to have the internal cells at times and with Lithium cells the shelf life of the batteries is very long ... very handy if you forget to bring the external NiMH pack along, which I have done on occasion. Michael VE3WMB P.S. I love my KX1 but my K1 stills gets used. I decided to go with the K1 for Field Day mainly because of the extra output power and slightly more robust receiver and I wasn't disappointed with how it performed. If I could only have one QRP CW rig for home and field use it would be a K1. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
James wrote: >... I am the fourth owner of K-1 SN0004 with a 40/20 M module. >I have had it for 2 years. I have found that the more I use it the less >I like it. I've had K1 SN 175 for almost four years (original owner). I've found it to be the best portable QRP rig, by large margin, of the nine that I've owned over the past 10 years. >I use it primarily for portable operation. As I don't use it all the time in >the shack, I find that I need the reference card to recall all of the >functions when I use it in the field. It's pretty straightforward...one just has to use it a little. But don't use the K1 Quick Reference Card that's on the Elecraft site. It still has several errors that were pointed out more than two years ago. >... there are significant performance compromises made. There is no >RF gain... Few portable rigs have an RF gain control. At least the K1 has a one-step attenuator, which BTW I've never needed to use. >The NE602 front end mixer has problems in crowded band conditions. I haven't found this to be a problem, especially when using a dipole out in the woods. I don't have any high performance antennas at the home QTH, though, which might have made this shortcoming more apparent. >These two issues are exasperated by the fact that the AGC cannot >be turned off without going into the menus. The filter has a pretty >poor shape factor, with a very gentle roll off on the high side. The >fact that the filter is adjustable means that optimum peformance is >not possible at any bandwidth. > >The built in keyer requires 2 key strokes to send what is in memory, >a big delay in contests. Perhaps the expectations are too high for a simple portable QRP rig. Would one really choose a K1 or KX1 or any other simple 602 front-end receiver if one is a serious contestor? >I find myself returning to the OHR more and more. It is a simple >receiver with no bells and whistles. But it uses a crunch proof diode >balanced mixer in the front end that runs circles around the K1's NE602. What is the OHR receive power consumption? I suspect that it is close to the 150 mA of the NC20. The K1's 60 mA receive current draw, so low because of the 602 design, is most welcome for portable operation. >There are some nice features of the K1. The tilt stand is very nice >in getting the rig off the table and at eye level... For me, that's the accessory I like the least, followed closely by the KBT1. The KTS1 is complicated and bulky when all I need and want is a simple bail to lift the front panel a bit. >I must admit that many of these opinions may be colored by a feeling >of betrayal by the K1. It is the only rig to have failed me in the field. >...I don't need that kind of stress prior to a major operating event. That's always a potential problem with a kit rig, especially one built by someone else and passed through several hands. If the K1 had been available as a *factory built* rig, I'd have preferred that option. I don't have any love affair with the monotonous chores of kit building. I'm not a contestor or a DXer, though I do sometimes use such events to quickly test a rig or antenna. No stress here from my ham radio hobby interests! I take my K1 everywhere I travel, whether on business or vacation. The only "failures" I've ever had were (1) Alignment drift in the original trimmer caps of my early four-band filter board (corrected years ago with new caps), and (2) Scratchy AF gain pot that required replacement. >I have often thought of upgrading with a 4 band module and the built >in tuner. I found that going to a 40/30/20/15m board, and re-building my old two-band board for 80/17m, more than double the utility and joy of using my K1. The KFL1-4 is highly recommended! The KAT1 likewise is a tremendous add-on to the capability of the K1. The firmware on the KAT1 was upgraded a while back to version 1.3. >I believe that would also require a firmware upgrade in a rig as old >as mine. You'll need version 1.09 firmware for the K1 MCU. There's a description in the manual download section of the Elecraft site that describes some of its enhanced features, aside from ATU support, compared to the earlier version 1.06 firmware. I don't know what the policy is now, but when I bought my KAT1 the K1 firmware upgrade came with it at no additional charge. >The total for these upgrades is about 90% of what I paid for the >rig, and I question if putting that much money into a rig I am not real >happy with is worth it to me. I didn't reach "K1 Nirvana" until *after* I did those very same upgrades. I also bought the KNB1 noise blanker, but I've not found it effective on most of the noise I've come across. >But it does point out the fact that adding options quickly raises >the price of an Elecraft rig. Very true words indeed! >Having said all that, I realize that rig preference is a personal thing. >Most are happy with their K1s. The K1 does not really fit what I am >look
[Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Let me present a dissenting point of view on the K1. I am the fourth owner of K-1 SN0004 with a 40/20 M module. I have had it for 2 years. I have found that the more I use it the less I like it. I find the K1 both too much radio and too little radio at the same time. I use it primarily for portable operation. As I don't use it all the time in the shack, I find that I need the reference card to recall all of the functions when I use it in the field. Being menu driven and with many of the switches having several functions I often make mistakes. The code speed goes up when I try to change filter settings for example. I don't need all of those functions in a portable contest radio, and I think that cramming them all into a small radio significantly detracts from the ability to seamless operate the radio. Thus, the radio is too much. But, there are significant performance compromises made. There is no RF gain. The NE602 front end mixer has problems in crowded band conditions. These two issues are exasperated by the fact that the AGC cannot be turned off without going into the menus. The filter has a pretty poor shape factor, with a very gentle roll off on the high side. The fact that the filter is adjustable means that optimum peformance is not possible at any bandwidth. The built in keyer requires 2 key strokes to send what is in memory, a big delay in contests. I bought the K-1 to replace an aging OHR Classic, also a 20 M and 40 M rig. I find myself returning to the OHR more and more. It is a simple receiver with no bells and whistles. But it uses a crunch proof diode balanced mixer in the front end that runs circles around the K1's NE602. After a few hours with the K-1 on 40 M for Field Day, we switched to the OHR and were much happier with its performance. As the OHR does not have an RF Gain control and the AGC is not switchable, the preference for the OHR is likely due to the higher performing front end and better IF filter. We eventually replaced the OHR with a K2 when the 15 M station QRTed at dark. It was preferable to both the K1 and the OHR. There are some nice features of the K1. The tilt stand is very nice in getting the rig off the table and at eye level, a common problem with QRP rigs. The provision for repetitive CQing is nice on sparsely populated bands during contests. I like the provision to monitor the battery voltage. The audio is generous and much better than the K2. The rig has generous power output and 5 watts is possible on all bands. The built in power meter is nice to have. I must admit that many of these opinions may be colored by a feeling of betrayal by the K1. It is the only rig to have failed me in the field. At the start of Field Day it failed to work on 40 M. 20 M was fine. After opening the rig, removing the filter board, inspecting it to find nothing obviously wrong, cleaning it, and reseating it; it again worked OK. Don't know what the problem was, but it left me with less confidence in the K1 than I had before. I don't need that kind of stress prior to a major operating event. I have often thought of upgrading with a 4 band module and the built in tuner. I believe that would also require a firmware upgrade in a rig as old as mine. The total for these upgrades is about 90% of what I paid for the rig, and I question if putting that much money into a rig I am not real happy with is worth it to me. But it does point out the fact that adding options quickly raises the price of an Elecraft rig. Having said all that, I realize that rig preference is a personal thing. Most are happy with their K1s. The K1 does not really fit what I am looking for in a portable rig for contesting. The more I use it, the more these shortcomings are apparent to me. I have decided that performance is more important to me than the bells and whistles of the K1. I respect the opinions of those who love their K1s and this is not meant to denigrate them. I just am not one of them. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 __ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87008 DM65 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Scott wrote: >My only HF rig is the K1 and it suits my needs well... >My K1 cost me half what the K2 would have when built to suit, >and the KX1 wasn't available when I bought the rig. The K1 is still tops for field work, in my book. Even had the KX1 been available, I'd have bought my K1 (SN 175) based on the K1 having: 1. Four bands, with option for two more, 2. Wider-range antenna tuner, 3. Better IF crystal filter network, 4. Theoretically better receiver performance, 5. Higher transmitter power capability, 6. Better transmitter spurious output performance, 7. Good self-contained speaker (if the KBT1 isn't used), 8. Continuous analog VFO tuning instead of step-wise DDS tuning, 9. Headphone output easily (in later K1s) connected for mono phones, 10. Noise blanker option (though it's rarely effective on noise I've encountered). KX1 fans too can come up with a long list of features performed better than the K1. The top five I can think of are: 1. SW BC band coverage, 2. Lighted display, 3. Audio feedback, 4. DDS VFO stability, 5. It's smaller and lighter. Both the K1 and KX1 are good rigs. Still, it would definitely be incorrect to refer to the KX1 as an "improved" K1. >If I was shopping today, the K1's price and 7-band capability would >steer my decision straight to it. I agree, though right now there are "only" six Elecraft-supported K1 bands available. >My 7Ah gel is great for home operation, but I'd rather have something >slimmer for the days I'm portable. Sometimes I take a pack of 8 AA >alkalines. I'm not sold on the KBT1... I carry a 10 AA-cell pack with 2.2 A-Hr NiMH cells. It's lighter and smaller than the equivalent 2.3 A-Hr SLA batteries, and has higher full-charge voltage output. I also have a 5 A-Hr SLA for portable use. I had the KBT1 installed for 18 months before permanently removing it. I like the larger original speaker much better than the micro speaker of the KBT1, and I don't like having potential chemical leakage sources inside the K1 case. It's also awkward to recharge the KBT1 pack. The K1 RF PCB and the KBT1 should be re-designed to connect to each other through a polarized two-pin connector mounted *on the RF board* rather than through the soldered leads of the current design or the floating connector that many have backfitted. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Carl Bredberg wrote: It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. 73 de Carl, K1KID I love my K1 sn 1647 dearly! I own a K2 also; but maybe I'm a bit biased because I built the K1 first - I like it better !!! I take it to work with me every day and operate during lunchtime (weather permitting) from the parking lot. I have a padded case with the K1, a 12V 7aH SLA, a solar panel for charging the battery, headphones, key and tools and meter. I have the KAT-1 installed and just love it! It makes using the Hamsticks or hombrewed Buddipole a breeze! I also have a 10 AA battery holder with NiMH AAs that I use when I don't feel like carting the heavier lead acid battery around. I had the K1 internal battery thingie; but took it out. I like the stock speaker better than the smaller one necessary for use with the internal battery. My K1 has 40, 30, 20 and 15 meters installed. I use it just about everyday; and it's a real life saver. There's nothing better than a little lunchtime QRP to burn away stressfull mornings at work! 73 de Larry W2LJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
...no, your dog is more of a K9 John K7FD http://webpages.charter.net/peanut/ > > From: "k6xr" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: 2004/08/25 Wed AM 01:39:39 GMT > To: > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > > I have a k1 nr 1512. I often say it is like my dog, it is my best friend! > > Reggie k1 1512, k2 4112 > > > - Original Message - > From: "Tom Arntzen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 2:17 PM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > > > > I have K1 nr.1491. > > I have not seen or tried KX1 , but I find my K1 outstanding for fieldtrip > > and holiday. > > > > Going to buy a small gel cell to go with it . > > > > Tom LA1PHA > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Carl Bredberg" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: > > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 5:54 PM > > Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > > > > > > It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft > > reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in > my > > shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a > radio > > to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when > > packing into the wilderness. > > > > The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to > > borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great > > travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, > > and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. > I > > use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn > near > > as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. > > > > I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire > antenna, > > headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes > > everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever > > owned, used or heard tell about! > > > > If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. > > > > 73 de > > Carl, K1KID > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > > > > > ___ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
K1KID wrote > It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here My only HF rig is the K1 and it suits my needs well. I'm lucky if I get a half hour a week for hamming and I'd prefer to spend that time on the air, not in the rig. But eventually something will need fixing or adjusting -- the output seems low; the frequency jumps 30 khz when the knob gets bumped; the RIT mod still isn't working right -- and opening the K1 doesn't seem so overwhelming. As much as I would love a K2 and a KX1, their complexity intimidates me. Maybe it's just perception: That's something I won't know till I find more money and time. My K1 cost me half what the K2 would have when built to suit, and the KX1 wasn't available when I bought the rig. If I was shopping today, the K1's price and 7-band capability would steer my decision straight to it. I use a padded lunch bag or an amazingly well suited cardboard shipping box for transport. My 7Ah gel is great for home operation, but I'd rather have something slimmer for the days I'm portable. Sometimes I take a pack of 8 AA alkalines. I'm not sold on the KBT1. I desire solar. Scott N1AIA K1 00139 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
I have a k1 nr 1512. I often say it is like my dog, it is my best friend! Reggie k1 1512, k2 4112 - Original Message - From: "Tom Arntzen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 2:17 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > I have K1 nr.1491. > I have not seen or tried KX1 , but I find my K1 outstanding for fieldtrip > and holiday. > > Going to buy a small gel cell to go with it . > > Tom LA1PHA > > - Original Message - > From: "Carl Bredberg" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 5:54 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > > > It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft > reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my > shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio > to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when > packing into the wilderness. > > The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to > borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great > travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, > and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I > use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near > as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. > > I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, > headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes > everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever > owned, used or heard tell about! > > If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. > > 73 de > Carl, K1KID > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Carl I too like my K1 a lot. My K2 is the main station rig and the K1 travels with me. I have used it operating portable in Maui and in London and it packs very well. Installed the KAT1 before the London trip and worked Europeans on 20m with a wire tossed out the hotel window. Ran at both DX locations off of 8 AA cells. While the K2 and KX1 seem to be more popular, I consider the K1 to be a best buy from Elecraft. 73 Dan NØTK K1 # 545, K2# 3652 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
I think they're a lot more popular than you say. I have tried to deal for several of them as soon as they appear for sale but they are either more than I can afford or disappear as soon as they are posted. I'm almost to the point of trying to build one myself. I have the necessary skills, but the eyesight is pretty much gone and even with a magnifier it's a struggle. Well, I'll keep on looking. Bound to get hold of one if I keep trying. I have a KX1 and am extremely pleased with it and want to take the next step to a K1. 73/72 (wishing for 20/20) Ron WA5VFA -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Carl Bredberg Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:54 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. 73 de Carl, K1KID ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Hi Carl, (& everybody else) I too love my K1. (#1337) It has a funny story behind it too. I had just moved into my (Oops, our.) new QTH and to battle the needs of my newfound CW addiction, (Thanks N2EY.) I decided to put a small portable SW rcvr on the nightstand. A dedicated "shack" was still in the process of being built from a converted closet that was itself converted from a crawl space beneath the stairs. (Anybody laughing yet?) Early one morning I heard HC1HLO from Santo Domingo, Ecuador...a town which I'd visited just a year earlier. There I was with no xmit capability, very frustrating, to say the least! So I decided to check out eBay for a quick and dirty solution. I grabbed a 4-band K1 with all the options for a steal, tossed up a 40m doublet and viola, I was back OTA. I ran the feedline to my father's room downstairs with the intention of eventually letting him use it for his SWLing. Well, it's been about six months and I'm more than halfway toward my WAS, including a very nice contact with Curt, AH6RE on the heels of the Sunday Elecraft 40m net. I bagged a 1,000 mi./Watt award for that. All on 5 Watts! Now I want my WAS to be all QRP, I love it. Yeah, I now have a K2/100 and a Ten-Tec Jupiter in the "main" shack, but something always draws me to that K1 in dad's room. (The "secondary" shack, hi.) 73 de Bert WA2SI P.S.Any AKers want to set up a sked? ;-) - Original Message - From: "Carl Bredberg" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 11:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? > It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. > > The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. > > I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! > > If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. > > 73 de > Carl, K1KID > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
Can't say too much about my K1! Have the KAT1 tuner in it and it does a very good job. I use a 10 pack of "AA" 2 A/H NiMH batteries with it by itself. I also have an "HF Packer" amplifier that will deliver 35-40 watts of RF with 1.5-2.5 watts of drive from the K1! Nice when things get tough! I usually use a 7 A/H gel-cell with that combination. I still haven't "built" a 160 meter (not a standard Elecraft option!) and 80 meter two band board yet for this upcoming winter. QRP 160/80 a lot of fun when the bands are right! The only "minus" I have found is no dial illumination! That is easy to remedy with a couple of ultra bright white LEDs. There is a "mod" for that on the Elecraft web site as I recall. Portable, I use the MFJ 1910 33' Fibreglass mast. Like a huge fishing pole! Collapses to about a meter long and weighs just 3.3 pounds. I use a standard photo tripod and a couple of tyraps to support the "pole". Antenna being a 33' length of wire (80-15 meters) and two 33' radials laid on the ground. One radial not enough, a third one doesn't make a big difference in performance. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: "Carl Bredberg" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? | It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. | | The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. | | I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! | | If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. | | 73 de | Carl, K1KID | ___ | Elecraft mailing list | Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net | You must be a subscriber to post to the list. | Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft | Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm | Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com | | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 11:54:25 -0400, Carl Bredberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I > have ever owned, used or heard tell about! > > If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. This is great to hear -- I'm going for my General in a couple of weeks, and am looking forward to trying CW ops. The K1 is right at the top of my list (the wife says I need to pass the tests before I can order it though :). I already have a Heathkit HW-7 I picked up on eBay last year. No idea if it even works correctly yet. I have hooked it up to a long wire and heard CW on it, but of couse I haven't tested the transmit yet. Since I've never done anything besides 2M voice, I'm looking forward to branching out into a completely different radio arena. 73 KE6RWH Chris Hobbs ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
I have K1 nr.1491. I have not seen or tried KX1 , but I find my K1 outstanding for fieldtrip and holiday. Going to buy a small gel cell to go with it . Tom LA1PHA - Original Message - From: "Carl Bredberg" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 5:54 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ?? It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. 73 de Carl, K1KID ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1 enthusiast wonders ??
It seems the K1 has fallen off the radar screen here on the Elecraft reflecter and I wonder why. I have a K2 which is wonderful for CW ops in my shack, but it is not as stingy with power as my K1 and too valuable a radio to be bouncing around in the field. Also it is significantly bigger when packing into the wilderness. The KX1 is definately a slick little rig. I have had the opportunity to borrow a friends for a week, and although it definately is a great travelling rig, the K1 outputs twice the power, has 4 bands rather than 3, and seems better able to match whatever you can hook up to for an antenna. I use a "Paddelette" paddle which mounts to the short K1 tilt stand. Darn near as neat as the KX1 plug in paddle. I have a complete station, the K1, a 10 cell AA battery pack, wire antenna, headphones and logbook all in an insulated soft sided lunch bag. This goes everywhere with me and is without exception THE MOST FUN radio I have ever owned, used or heard tell about! If you don't have a K1, borrow one and you will become a believer too. 73 de Carl, K1KID ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
