Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
I've owned my K1-4 ( 40,30,20,15 ) for about two years. Enjoyed building it and have had a lot of fun using it. Added the internal tuner, a visual tuning aid and the tilt stand shortly after completing it. Use it with a 8AA battery and an end-fed wire for park bench portable in a local park, in the backyard, and at my country place. Everything fits into an old laptop case for transport. Have no issues with the K1, and many DX contacts. Even made a new friend, ON7FR who bought and built a K1 after reading my comments. I bought another 2-band filter kit for 80 & 17, haven't built it yet. 73, Curt KB5JO ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
I love my K1. Was a kick in the pants to build. I found that using emery cloth to strip the insulation off the torroids was a help as it allowed me to get things very clean with out doing the heat strip method which didn't work too well for me. I've made quite a few contacts using a fanned dipole in a couple trees around the house. I usually get into at least the 20 meter Elecraft CW net weekly and if Tom (N0SS) is still hanging around during the 40 meter net I usually get in to that one as well. I love the memory keyer in it and just set the thing up to call CQ and its usually not too long before I'm in QSO with someone. With my K1 and dipole I've worked Japan on 3 watts and was getting a good report from Oregon. The receiver is a pleasure to listen to! I also recommend the backlight mod. I ended up taking mine back apart and adding it after the fact and wish I'd just bought it from the get go. I also really like the antenna tuner that elecraft makes for it. I find the noise blanker useful (as I live in a very high noise area) it does cut the noise back a few S units but its the least effective noise blanker that I have in any of my radios. ~Brett On Tue, 2008-04-01 at 11:34 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. > I don't see any postings relating to this rig. > Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. > Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. > Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, > is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. > Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. > > Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z > ___ > 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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Hi, Bud, The K1 was my first Elecraft kit as well. In fact, it was the first kit I had built in over 20 years. The step-by-step instructions are simple, elegant, and effective. I did not have a single problem putting the kit together and had fun doing it. Tuning and adjustment were a breeze. The total construction time for me was about 30 hours. I owned the K1 for about a year and it got a lot of use. It was my radio during the Spartan Sprint contests and the ARCI homebrew contests. During Field Day 2007, I ran a solar/battery operation using the K1 and an inverted V from the local college track. It did extremely well and I had a blast. Eventually, I found that I was using the K1 more outside than in. So in the end I sold it and went with the KX1. I also had a K2 and now own the K3. The K1 is an excellent compromise between the performance of the K2 and the portability of the KX1. You can use it in place of either rig and do fine. I am sure you will have fun building and operating the K1. I know I did! 73, John, WA6L bud73 wrote: > > I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. > I don't see any postings relating to this rig. > Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. > Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. > Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to > build, > is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. > Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. > > Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z > ___ > 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 > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K1-comments--tp16426270p16427194.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Hi Bud, I think that you will really enjoy both building and using your K1. I have a 4-band K1 (40, 30, 20, 15) and I actually use it as my main station rig. (I have a KX-1 for portable operations). It's a great little radio. Not too hard to build and the learning curve for using all of it's features is not too bad either. About a year ago I added the backlight option but would recommend that if this is something that you want it would be much easier to do it during the initial build. Most recently I added the ATU unit and retired my old MFJ Versa Tuner. If you have any questions during the building process be sure to post them. I am sure that you will get helpful responses in spite of the "K3 fever" that currently saturates the list. There are also searchable archives that can help. Good luck and have fun! 73, Paul - N8XMS ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
The K1 is easy to build (although I had to use a binocular magnifier to read the micro printing on some parts with my 70 year old eyes!) Really nice kit. The receiver is super "decent"! First time you fire it up it sounds like it will be "deaf". Almost NO internally generated noise. The variable selectivity works very well! Operating features are very adequate once you get used to what this little jewel will do. I found the biggest deficit was that it worked only 2 or 4 bands. I have the 4 band card setup for 40/30/20/15 meters, and an addtional TWO 2 band boards setup for 160/80 and 80/40 meters. The 80/40 meter board came in handy when the higher bands went "bust" a couple of years ago in the bottom of the current sunpot minimum. I'm looking forward to eventually building another 2 band "custom" board when 10/12 meters picks up. (The ROM on main board setup for use on all bands from 160-10 meters, but "factory" options not yet available for 10/12 and 160 meters.) It IS fun to use. The external T1 autotuner is more flexible than the internal KAT1 tuner, especially on 160/80 meters. I have the internal KAT1 and a T1. Having used all of Ten-Tec's old "PM" Power mites series (PM-1, PM2, PM-3), all the Heathkits (HW-7/8/9) and some homebrewed stuff, the K1 is the BEST QRP CW transceiver I have used so far.I have frequently used it in the field and it has performed extremely well. Couldn't be more pleased with it. 73, Sandy W5TVW K1 Serial #1178 - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 10:34 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 comments? I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ 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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.3/1354 - Release Date: 4/1/2008 5:38 AM ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Whups, Bud. I mixed up a K1 and KX1. I was talking about the KX1. Time for another cuppa coffee and get my brain back in gear. I don't have a K1, but there are a LOT of K1 owners on the list who will be happy to offer suggestions and talk about their experiences. One friend of mine put a K1 in his airplane to operate mobile with considerable success. Of course, most of us can't get out portable antennas up that high... Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hello Bud! The K1 has been around for a while so there's not as many questions being asked as there are about the K3. The K1 is a great little radio! It's designed for small size and low current drain. Still I really like the receiver, especially the continuously adjustable I.F. filter that is wide enough for some AM/SSB SWL listening and sharp enough for digging CW signals out of the noise. The transmitter has enough power to make lots of contacts, even when using a simple, portable antenna. Mine travels in an inexpensive miniature 35 mm soft camera case that fits in my coat pocket, complete with paddles, earbuds and antenna for instant portable operation. I have the built-in ATU and use two 33 foot wires strung either as a doublet or one over a tree branch and the other near the ground as a "counterpoise". If you have any other questions, bring 'em on! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Yes, the K1 is a very sweet rig. The audio is especially nice, although you'll have some popping on loud signals. I enjoyed mine. Sold it to upgrade to the K2. I've been planning to buy another K1 one of these days. - Keith N1AS - ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Hello Bud! The K1 has been around for a while so there's not as many questions being asked as there are about the K3. The K1 is a great little radio! It's designed for small size and low current drain. Still I really like the receiver, especially the continuously adjustable I.F. filter that is wide enough for some AM/SSB SWL listening and sharp enough for digging CW signals out of the noise. The transmitter has enough power to make lots of contacts, even when using a simple, portable antenna. Mine travels in an inexpensive miniature 35 mm soft camera case that fits in my coat pocket, complete with paddles, earbuds and antenna for instant portable operation. I have the built-in ATU and use two 33 foot wires strung either as a doublet or one over a tree branch and the other near the ground as a "counterpoise". If you have any other questions, bring 'em on! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 comments?
Bud, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. [...] how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Congrats on the new kit & you'll love building and operating it! Building it was not at all difficult, and that goes for winding the toroids. The common advice is to work only for as long as you're feeling sharp. I also recommend the backlight addition if you haven't already bought it. It's helpful when you're outdoors at dusk - I used the highest resistance choice to get the dimmest backlighting. I originally used an end-fed wire that I had cut to avoid half wavelength multiples (as recommended in the KAT1 manual). QSOs are no problem with it. However, I'm making dipole now to get more signal out - n7un has a neat idea to hook segments together to make resonant length for each band. Most places I go seem to have trees, poles, or something to get a dipole up. With a dipole I made a 100 mW qso from Pennsylvania to Maine. Overall, I love the rig. Maybe that's why we hear so few k1 comments on the list. K1 users are no longer learning the rig but busy using it. :-) Have fun with the build, Mike ab3ap ___ 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] K1 comments?
I recently received my first Elecraft kit a K1. I don't see any postings relating to this rig. Every posting seems to be about the new K3 and sometimes the K2. Someone must be still interested in the K1 out there. Are there any comments on this radio . for instance; how was it to build, is it fun to use, does it have a decent receiver, etc, etc. Please tell me something about your experience with your K1. Thanks ... Bud, NY1Z ___ 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
