Jeremy:
I agree just about 100% with the advice provided by
Mike Morrow. The K1 is a fine transceiver - but
fairly limited in its capabilities. So, in any
scenario, if it's to be a K1, go with the four band
board. Beyond that, for not too much more money you
could buy (and build) a basic K2 - which will provide
you with many more upgrade possibilities as your
finances allow (internal antenna tuner especially
comes to mind here). Finally on the Elecraft front, a
very basically equipped K3 would provide you with many
more upgrade possibilities. At just about $1,400 in
price, however, it's a big leap up in price. Apart
from the basic cost to features ratio, there is an
incalculable value associated with operating a radio
you've built with your own hands.
One last thing: if the "thrill of the build" is not a
primary or an important consideration, for a limited
budget, maximum possibilities rig, you should probably
look at the Icom 718. At about $549 after rebate
(about $100 more than the cost of a 100 watt amp for
the K3 - plus the 718 usually ships for free), you get
a pretty much full capability radio, 160-10 meters,
all modes (minus FM), general coverage receive, 100
watt, 100 duty cycle transceiver - which is new. The
specs may not be world class, but they are probably
comparable to what you'd see with a K1. To that price
you'd probably have to add a cheap antenna tuner and a
CW filter. I've probably just blasphemed, but IMHO
there's probably no better bargain out there for a
beginning ham these days.
Whatever you do, however, get started.
Bob Brown, N1CVX
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