Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
 
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While I hang around the recovering from my back surgery and a nasty case
of pneumonia, I've run out of projects that require melting solder. This of course means its time to order another kit. After spending hours (I have lots of time) researching kits, I, naturally, arrived back at Elecraft.com reading the QST reviews of the K1 and KX1. I've built them both before and it will certainly be a joy once again regardless of which I choose. It seems I just can't operate cw with the K3. Not that it isn't fantastic - its just, well, too easy. So another QRP radio is what I need. I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. And, no, I can't buy both. I did look at a few single band kits. But then I start pinging and ponging over 40 VS: 20. I gotta have both. So, what? flip a coin? Have my wife choose? Dilemma. 73, Doug -- K0DXV ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
Re: Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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> I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. And, no, I can't
buy both. I went through the same motions. Many times. I'm about to go through it again. In a nutshell, IME: K1 - analog soul & sound not found in 99% of radios. Can't explain it. - insanely quiet receiver - Simple platform, well laid out internally - lends itself well to mods, has room for tweaking in the chassis - internal battery option is fiddly and cumbersome KX1: - by far the number one best feature is easy of deployment, or rephrased, minimum time between "I think I want to get on the air" and "actually getting on the air", especially when equipped with a BNC to dual banana jack connector. - minimum space. Truly a "take it with you everywhere" rig. In summary, IMHO, figure out what you want to do with the rig. If you plan to use it as a bedside rig or field / picnic table use, K1. If you plan to use it for carrying all the time so you can set it up and get on the air in the shortest amount of time possible, such as during lunch breaks at work, etc..., KX1. I want both! .. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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In reply to this post by Doug Person
Hi, Doug, That is a tough one. You might want to start (if you haven't already) with the KX-1 FAQ at http://www.elecraft.com/KX1/kx1faq.htm This also has a section on KX-1 and K1 comparison. I built a K1 and ended up selling it after getting my KX-1. I do have to say that I miss the K1, but for me the KX-1 was a better fit. As others have said, you need to determine what you are going to do with the radio and go from there. The big advantage to the KX-1 is its portability. I have mine in a small case with ear buds, two small spools of wire (my antenna) and the BNC to binding post adapter. I can throw this into any suitcase or backpack and have a radio with me wherever I go. Once you get where you are going, you an be up and running in minutes. The built-in paddles mean that all you need is a place to sit. No table required. I have modified the battery setup on my KX-1 to get 12VDC and 3.5 watts, so the difference in power between it and K1 is negligible. What do I miss on the K1? The primary thing is 15 meters. I wish I could get that on the KX-1, but I think I will build a MFJ Cub to cover that band. At any rate, you will have fun building and operating the rig no matter which way you go. Good luck and enjoy your recovery! 73, John, WA6L
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Re: Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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John,
Thanks for your comments. In general, it seems more people favor the KX-1. I was thinking more about building a kit than I was what I would ultimately use it for. So being prodded by this question multiple times, I concluded that clearly the portability is an issue and that favors the KX-1. So my order is placed and I now look forward to the arrival of yet another white box. 73, Doug -- K0DXV WA6L wrote: > Hi, Doug, > > That is a tough one. You might want to start (if you haven't already) with > the KX-1 FAQ at http://www.elecraft.com/KX1/kx1faq.htm This also has a > section on KX-1 and K1 comparison. > > I built a K1 and ended up selling it after getting my KX-1. I do have to > say that I miss the K1, but for me the KX-1 was a better fit. As others > have said, you need to determine what you are going to do with the radio and > go from there. > > The big advantage to the KX-1 is its portability. I have mine in a small > case with ear buds, two small spools of wire (my antenna) and the BNC to > binding post adapter. I can throw this into any suitcase or backpack and > have a radio with me wherever I go. > > Once you get where you are going, you an be up and running in minutes. The > built-in paddles mean that all you need is a place to sit. No table > required. I have modified the battery setup on my KX-1 to get 12VDC and 3.5 > watts, so the difference in power between it and K1 is negligible. > > What do I miss on the K1? The primary thing is 15 meters. I wish I could > get that on the KX-1, but I think I will build a MFJ Cub to cover that band. > > At any rate, you will have fun building and operating the rig no matter > which way you go. Good luck and enjoy your recovery! > > 73, > > John, WA6L > > > > Doug Person wrote: > >> While I hang around the recovering from my back surgery and a nasty case >> of pneumonia, I've run out of projects that require melting solder. >> This of course means its time to order another kit. After spending >> hours (I have lots of time) researching kits, I, naturally, arrived back >> at Elecraft.com reading the QST reviews of the K1 and KX1. I've built >> them both before and it will certainly be a joy once again regardless of >> which I choose. >> >> It seems I just can't operate cw with the K3. Not that it isn't >> fantastic - its just, well, too easy. So another QRP radio is what I >> need. >> >> I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. And, no, I can't >> buy both. >> >> I did look at a few single band kits. But then I start pinging and >> ponging over 40 VS: 20. I gotta have both. >> >> So, what? flip a coin? Have my wife choose? >> >> Dilemma. >> >> 73, Doug -- K0DXV >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[hidden email] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> >> >> > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
Re: Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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In reply to this post by Doug Person
>
> 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 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
Re: Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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> 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 In my experience KX1 also has an edge in: - speed of setup (time taken to get on the air) - easy of battery operation & battery changes. In a nutshell, KX1 saves space (obvious to most) and saves time (maybe not as obvious) ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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In reply to this post by Rick Dettinger-3
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" <[hidden email]> To: "Doug Person" <[hidden email]> Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]> 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 > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
Re: Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide
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In reply to this post by Doug Person
Doug wrote:
>I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. As far as RF performance only goes, the K1 is, IMHO, clearly superior. (1) The K1 uses an LC VFO that is cleaner than the direct digital synthesis frequency generation scheme of the KX1. This reduces transmitter spurious output, and improves receiver performance because fewer spur frequencies are part of the local oscillator signal fed to the front-end mixer. According to reported measurements of the K1 with two-band board, it has better transmitter spurious output specs than even the K2. The low-pass filtering of the four-band version is much better than the two-band version, so that's even better. (2) The K1 can be placed on any of the HF bands, though Elecraft currently sells parts for 80m through 15m only. The KX1 DDS chip is clocked at its maximum rate of 50 MHz, which limits KX1 frequency coverage to around 20m and lower. The 15m band is one of the best QRP bands when open. (3) The K1 IF uses a four-pole crystal filter, while the KX1 IF uses a three-pole filter. (4) The K1's optional auto antenna tuner tunes a much wider range of impedances than that of the KX1. (5) Most find the continuous LC VFO tuning of the K1 to be more natural than the step-wise tuning of the DDS in the KX1. (6) The K1 has a noise blanker option, while the KX1 does not. (7) The K1 transmitter can produce up to seven watts of output power. The KX1 is about half that, if one is lucky. (8) The K1 case contains a speaker, the KX1 does not. (The K1 has plenty of audio to drive it too.) (9) IMHO, the full-house K1 (with KNB1, KAT1, and four-band board) is easier (less-tricky) to build than the full-house KX1 with all its options (40/20m with 80/30m option, KXAT1). (10) Personal preference...I like the front mounted controls of the K1 more than the top mounted controls of the KX1. OTOH, the KX1 is clearly superior in terms of VFO stability. The DDS is about as stable as a crystal oscillator. It is superior in its span of frequency coverage within the limits of the DDS. It can switch between USB and LSB due to the frequency agility of the DDS as the local oscillator. It has neat features like audio feedback to controls. It is definitely smaller and lighter. IMHO, the KX1 definitely has some positive features that the K1 doesn't have. None of them, except VFO stability, are improvements in RF performance on the ham CW bands. Plus, the K1's LC VFO is amazingly stable. But...if the K1 were not available, the KX1 would be my very next choice for a QRP rig. It's a very fine and well-designed rig. You really can't go wrong whatever choice you make. 73, Mike / KK5F ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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The K1 looks like a radio and not like a high tech Etch A Sketch.
John k7up K1, 2 K2's, K3 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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In reply to this post by Doug Person
Faced with the same dilemma awhile ago, I built a four band K1 with the ATU
and have had no regrets. Since the longest trek for me has been to the park about a mile away, the increased portability of the KX1 wasn't an advantage. The K1, paddle, gel cell, and antenna fit inside an old laptop case for traveling. Recently, I've been glad mine has 15M capability, have made quite a few QSOs with the K-1 sitting on my desk (adjacent to an IC718 and Triton IV). Just a fun little rig to use. GL & 73, Curt KB5JO ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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