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: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 4:04 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 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: 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
