Re: K1 vs KX1

[Mike Morrow-3]

Dave wrote:

>I am interested in your opinions on the differences between the K-1 and
>KX-1 transceivers, beyond the band coverage issues; for example, which
>has the better receiver?

I built my K1 (#175) in November, 2000, for backpack portable use.  If I
were buying a rig today, now that the KX1 is available, I'd still go for the
K1.

The band coverage issue *is* important.  From the start, I'll take a rig
that covers 15m over one that does not...end of story.  When open, 15m is
the finest of QRP bands.  With my K1, I can cover six HF CW bands with two
"officially" available filter boards (160, 12, 10 meters aren't available
from Elecraft).

The K1 has a better IF filter (four-pole, bandwidth variable in three
adjustable steps).  The lack of the characteristic spurious output of a DDS
local oscillator also improves overall receiver performance.  The K1 has a
decent internal speaker (if the KBT1 option isn't installed) with plenty of
audio output.

The K1 has a better transmitter with the best (lowest) spurious output of
any Elecraft rig (including the K2).  It can also be set for significantly
higher power output than the KX1.

The K1 has a much wider range auto antenna tuner.

The K1 has a noise blanker option, though I've found it to be of limited
effectiveness and wouldn't miss it if it were gone.

The K1 VFO tuning is continuous rather than in the incremental steps of a
DDS.

The K1 has its controls on the front, where they should be.  Top-mounted
controls as "trail-friendly" is something of a left-coast idea, IMHO.  It is
harder to protect the controls on the KX1 in a backpack than it is on the
K1.  Why someone hasn't come up with a clamshell cover for the KX1 yet, I
don't understand.

I've used direct DDS rigs before (I have three DSW monoband rigs) and enjoy
them, but I prefer a multiband rig to concentrate on ham CW band
performance.  If ham CW band performance is the most important criteria,
then the K1 wins over the KX1 without question except on the issue of VFO
stability.  You just can't hardly beat a DDS for stability.

Still, the KX1 is very frequency stable and small, and has that shortwave
coverage with selectable sidebands.  Plus, it's kind of cute.  It stole the
spotlight away from the K1, with some even reporting the KX1 (incorrectly)
as an improvement upon or a replacement for the K1.

In short, I really like the K1.  I like it better than the K2.  But...if the
K1 wasn't available, I'd definitely get a KX1 as my second choice.  They are
both fine rigs, so you really can't make that much of a mistake either way.

73,
Mike / KK5F

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[EricJ-2]

I've said this as well.  I have not been able to determine why, but I prefer
copying CW on the K1 over the K2. I always choose the K1 for casual
ragchewing.

There is some quality to it that my ear seems to respond to. Also, many
times I have been able to copy signals on the K1 that are in the mud on the
K2. The reason being there was no "mud" on the K1!  I have copied a 3B8
(everybody knows him...I can't remember his call) where it sounds like my
antenna is disconnected on the K1, but he is there very weakly, but clear as
a bell. On the K2, I can copy him, but it is not as easy. Again, I can't
really quantify what my ear is perceiving.

The K1 clearly deserves a place in the Elecraft lineup.

Eric
KE6US

>From: "Mike Morrow" <[hidden email]>
>To: <[hidden email]>, "'Elecraft Mail'" <[hidden email]>
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 vs KX1
>Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 21:44:07 -0500
>

>
>In short, I really like the K1.  I like it better than the K2.  But...if
>the
>K1 wasn't available, I'd definitely get a KX1 as my second choice.  They
>are
>both fine rigs, so you really can't make that much of a mistake either way.


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