On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally purchasing
one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. *** What I do not need: I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 (80-15 is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. *** What I have heard: I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than the K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). *** What I am looking for: Opinions? David, K3TUE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
Hi Dave
My suggestion would be to look to the future. You have spelled out what you are looking for and need, Right Now. We all have our ideas change with time. Why lock youself out of future capabilities? I recommend the K2 with the just the options you feel you need Right Now. You can always add others later, as your tastes in operating change. This way you have the best of both worlds, a World Class receiver in the K2, additional power (up to 15w) if you need it in casual ragchewing, 80-10m from the start, and ability to add options as you feel you need them. What a way to go. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG K2 s/n 12 -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally purchasing one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. *** What I do not need: I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 (80-15 is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. *** What I have heard: I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than the K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). *** What I am looking for: Opinions? David, K3TUE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
I think before we (I) can answer such a question, I would like to hear your
answer to a couple of questions! (1) Why do you want another radio if you already have the nice KX-1? (2) What are you going to do with the new radio? BTW, I have the KX-1, K-1, and K-2 among other radios like the ATS-2 and ATS-3. For Fox hunting, the K-2 is my rig of choice. The K-1 is a backup/second rig that does not see much use. The KX-2 is used for portable operation now and then. The ATS-3 is used for spartan sprints. 73/72 - Mike WA8BXN _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Toepfer" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 5:03 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions > *** What I am looking for: > > Opinions? > > David, K3TUE Hi David, It kind of sounds like you've answered your own question already. However, if it helps... I operate both the K1 mobile and the K2 at home and yes, I must agree that the K1 sounds quieter to my ear. That's not to say it has the better receiver, but it is doesn't have the HF hiss. I'll likely take some flak for this but...although the K2's rcvr specs blow away much of the competition on paper, you'll likely be very happy with the K1. Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI FISTS #9384/CC #1736 QRP ARCI #11782 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
Dave,
I have both, the K1 and K2. The K2 is my mobile rig and the K2 is my main shack rig. One thing to consider: If you're into chasing DX, it's a lot easier (IMHO) to work split using the K2's dual VFOs. It can be done with the K1 (I've done it myself) but it's easier to keep track of your split on the K2. 73 de Larry W2LJ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
I have both a K1 and a K2, David. Since you already have a KX1, the K1 is
only going to be another answer to the same question. They are different, but their missions overlap. The K1 is a station rig that is at home in the field. The KX1 is a field rig that works at home. I don't see any real reason to have both. I'd go for a "bare" K2. Bare, in that you don't have to get features you don't care about, like SSB. But you will still have the same outstanding receiver that all K2 owners enjoy, and the same clean CW signal. You will also enjoy operating convenience you won't have with the KX1/K1 which is not their purpose. And if your interests change, as is inevitable in this hobby, you can stick with the K2 and expand it with factory options. BTW, I don't think the K1 is more sensitive than the K2, but copying CW on it is somehow more pleasant for me and I don't know why. I've even tried them both on the same speaker, so it isn't that. At home, I prefer the K1 for casual ragchewing when signals are good and the bands aren't crowded, but most of the time I use the K2 because of the operating convenience. I also like the variable rate tuning that the K1 doesn't have. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally purchasing one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. *** What I do not need: I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 (80-15 is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. *** What I have heard: I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than the K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). *** What I am looking for: Opinions? David, K3TUE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
I have both a K1 and K2, though I have very little experience with the K2,
having just finished it in the last couple weeks. One of the issues I'd be thinking about is the difficulty of swapping filter boards. If you buy a 4-band K1 you can't get 80M or 160M on it. So if you want those bands you'll have to build a separate 2-band filter board. It's not hard to switch the boards when you want to switch bands, but neither is it fun. You have to remove the top, remove the ATU, remove the filter board, put in the new board, reattach the ATU, and reattach the cover. Then go to the menu and tell it what bands you just installed. It's time-consuming enough that I never do it. It's best not to overlap bands on more than one filter board (say, an 80/40 2-band board and a 40/30/20/15 4-band board). If you do that, you have to recalibrate 40m each time. So all of the above argues for the K2 if you're a band-switcher. I hang out on 40 and 20 so the K1 works fine for me. The K2 has 4 CW filters instead of 3 like the K1. While the K2 has variable rate tuning, the K1 only covers 80 KHz so it's no big deal to spin from one end of the band to the other. (You can configure it for 150 KHz but either way 10 turns gets you to the other end of the band.) The K2 requires a bigger power supply than the K1. My little 3 amp Radio Shack supply works great on the K1. The K2 at full power pulls the voltage down too much. Not a problem in my case as I'm building the KPA100 and just ordered a 30 amp power supply. Either way you'll have a great radio and a lot of fun building. Craig NZ0R K1 #1966 K2 #4941 KPA100 passed initial tests today; on to part II. -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 4:04 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally purchasing one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. *** What I do not need: I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 (80-15 is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. *** What I have heard: I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than the K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). *** What I am looking for: Opinions? David, K3TUE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
> I think before we (I) can answer such a question, I would like to hear your
> answer to a couple of questions! > > (1) Why do you want another radio if you already have the nice KX-1? > (2) What are you going to do with the new radio? I'm looking for a nice CW transciever to experiment on. Since I have so much respect for Elecraft and I can't really get a MP+ anymore, I figured I'd go it on my own with a K1 or K2. I am attracted more to a K1 because of it's relative simplicity compared to the K2. I know the K2 is top-rated all over, but I feel that the K2 will be less useful as a learning/experimenter's platform than the K1. I know both involve the hidden aspect of u-controller firmware, but I feel that it's use is more spare and more transparent in the K1. I would like to try and not just buy a radio that I will fiddle around with in this manner described above, but one that would be worth using when I am done when I put it together the right way and use in general and not all disected on a breadboard. David, K3TUE dt . _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
David,
If you want to experiment, I would suggest the K2 rather than the K1 - the K1 being more compact is more difficult to find 'handles' to the parts you want to experiment with while the basic K2 has lots of 'wide open space' (if you add all the options, it does get tight, but you said you wanted a 'stripped down model'. The base K2 is relatively straightforward in both the transmit and receive signal paths - the complications of the firmware is in the control arena, and if you wish to experiment with the control sections, I will alter my recommendation - I figured your 'experimenting would likely be in the transmit or receive paths. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > I'm looking for a nice CW transciever to experiment on. Since I > have so much > respect for Elecraft and I can't really get a MP+ anymore, I > figured I'd go it > on my own with a K1 or K2. I am attracted more to a K1 because of it's > relative simplicity compared to the K2. I know the K2 is > top-rated all over, > but I feel that the K2 will be less useful as a learning/experimenter's > platform than the K1. I know both involve the hidden aspect of > u-controller > firmware, but I feel that it's use is more spare and more > transparent in the > K1. > > I would like to try and not just buy a radio that I will fiddle > around with in > this manner described above, but one that would be worth using > when I am done > when I put it together the right way and use in general and not > all disected on > a breadboard. > > David, K3TUE > > dt > . > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > 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 > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.0/50 - Release Date: 7/16/2005 > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.0/50 - Release Date: 7/16/2005 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
Hi David.
Having both the K1 and K2 I must say that they can't be compared to each other. Why?......... They meet different needs. The K1 with powerful audio and simple operation is my choice for backpack and ...YES also base station use. I tend to care fore the rig and feel pity for it if it hasen't been used for a while , work a qso and it is happy again. The K2 is my chackrig because of the more sophisticated operation needs. So about your choice , IT is hard to tell. I think you will be fine with a K1 , but I would order it as a K1-2 for 80-40 and optionboards for 30,20 and 17,15. In that manner you will avoid overlapping bands. Or K1-2 for 80 and 17( or 15m) to fill bands with KX1. K1 does well with less than 2amp powersupply. But myself has K1-4 40-15m and as others have mentioned , seem not fun to swap especially when atu is installed. I suspect you in a year or two will buy a K2 as well because of the adictive solder fumes. There is a modification to the K2 that make it more effective when run on 5 watts if that's your need. But you do have the KX1 , so I would advice buying the K2. This two togheter will fill the gap nicly for your operation needs. No matter your choice you will have a good time during build. 73 de Tom LA1PHA ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Toepfer" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 11:03 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions > On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally > purchasing > one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I > guess > I'll ask for some voices of experiences. > > *** What I do not need: > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
Thank you all for the help. This is what I am left with after all your help:
K2: far better base specs (performance and features) much easier to operate more space to experiment K1: smaller simpler unquantifyably easier on the ear If it was not for the last point under the K1 this would be so simple. :-) David, K3TUE . --- David Toepfer <[hidden email]> wrote: > On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally > purchasing > one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I > guess > I'll ask for some voices of experiences. > > *** What I do not need: > > I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't > need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the > simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). > > I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 > (80-15 > is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). > > I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). > > I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. > > *** What I have heard: > > I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is > quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. > > I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than > the > K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). > > *** What I am looking for: > > Opinions? > > David, K3TUE > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > 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: [hidden email] 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 |
There's no denying the K1 is a very nice, and I'm beginning to think,
underrated rig. The KX1 kind of upstaged this solid little performer. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 4:21 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions (summary) Thank you all for the help. This is what I am left with after all your help: K2: far better base specs (performance and features) much easier to operate more space to experiment K1: smaller simpler unquantifyably easier on the ear If it was not for the last point under the K1 this would be so simple. :-) David, K3TUE --- David Toepfer <[hidden email]> wrote: > On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally > purchasing one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a > struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. > > *** What I do not need: > > I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I > don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB > (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). > > I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a > K1 > (80-15 > is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). > > I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). > > I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. > > *** What I have heard: > > I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the > K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. > > I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative > than the > K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). > > *** What I am looking for: > > Opinions? > > David, K3TUE > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > 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: [hidden email] 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: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
>K2:
>far better base specs (performance and features) The K1 has the best specs for spurious output of any Elecraft rig. Mike / KK5F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
In reply to this post by David Toepfer
>There's no denying the K1 is a very nice, and I'm beginning to think,
>underrated rig. The KX1 kind of upstaged this solid little performer. Due, in no small part, to some product reviews of the KX1 incorrectly implying that the KX1 was an "improved K1." It isn't. I just say "Let me see you work 80m or 15m at 7 watts into some oddball antenna with your KX1 and its more limited auto-tuner!" Mike / KK5F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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 |
Well, I'm certainly happy with my choice. The K1 is a serious ham rig and
mine does very well for me. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike Morrow Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 7:07 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions (summary) >There's no denying the K1 is a very nice, and I'm beginning to think, >underrated rig. The KX1 kind of upstaged this solid little performer. Due, in no small part, to some product reviews of the KX1 incorrectly implying that the KX1 was an "improved K1." It isn't. I just say "Let me see you work 80m or 15m at 7 watts into some oddball antenna with your KX1 and its more limited auto-tuner!" Mike / KK5F _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] 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: [hidden email] 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 |
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