Well, the decision seems to have been made, so this is probably too late to have much meaning. However, I will add a few comments since I have both rigs.
The K1 is a very nice rig. Until I had the 4 band version, however, I was disappointed in it's utility for my type of operating. I had the 2nd band board, but changing it was way too much effort. Now I am much happier. The K1, reasonably loaded, runs over $500 now. That's not cheap, but it is a very FB rig. The KX-1 is about $100 less, which may be an incentive. The KX-1 is much easier to pack, and I really like small rigs. The KX-1 fits in my computer case--the K1 does not. My biggest complaint about the KX-1 is power output. I've never been able to get much more than 2.5 watts from it, and that isn't on all bands. I had lots of discussions with tech support about this, and not too much success getting it closer to the 4 watt advertised output. I've also had my hands on a few others, and they seem to run around the same output. The K1, on the other hand will do 6 to 8 watts--a big difference sometimes. The KX-1 is now only available for two bands, or 4 bands. The 4th band is 80 meters, which I consider a poor choice for QRP. The bigger problem usually is an antenna for that band. My version is the older one with the 30 meter module added. That suffices for my needs. The K1 will do 17 meters (a good trade-off for 80 meters in my view). I really like 17 meters, and have had lots of good DX contacts there. The KX-1 is a harder build. If you are careful though, you should be fine. Something that small has to be a little cramped in a few places. In a contest, like FD or something, you probably will wish you had a K1. The KX-1 "contests" too, but not nearly as comfortably. Overall, I'd opt for the KX-1. Notwithstanding the lower output, if conditions are reasonable you should still be O.K. Don't plan on any long ragchews though! This little rig is so clever, you can't help but be impressed with it each time you pull it out. You can even do some BC band listening. You need some good, sensitive earphones. Audio is a little wimpy from the KX-1. I'd also suggest not mounting batteries internally in either rig. For one thing, it adds weight, but more importantly I actually find it less convenient. A small, AA pack runs the KX-1 nicely, and for a fairly long period of time. Having the batteries outside reduces risk of acid leaks too. Yeah, I know! You should remove them when not in use, but who doesn't forget sometimes? The K1 needs a little bigger battery really (since it runs more power), but a 2ah, or 4ah battery is sufficient, and can be packed easily outside the rig. The overall weight is the same--just where you put it changes. Both rigs have good points and bad points. Some overlap. How you plan to use it dictates. The good news is that either rig is a winner. Dave W7AQK ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Dettinger" <[email protected]> To: "Doug Person" <[email protected]> Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 9:25 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dilemma: K1 or KX1 - I can't decide > > >> I just can't seem to decide between the KX1 and the K1. And, no, I >> can't >> buy both. >> >> >> 73, Doug -- K0DXV >> > > The only advantage the KX1 has over the K1 is the small size and the > ability to operate on the phone bands, cross mode, of course. This > allows checking into the phone nets to pass traffic. The K1 is a > better rig in all other respects. I built a K1, sold it to get a KX1 > and than sold that to get another K1. For my needs, the K1 is a > better rig. > > 73, > > Rick Dettinger K7MW > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
