++++++++++++++++++++++++ See also Paddlettes ++++++++++++++++++++++++ From: "ZOOM" To: "Rod Adams" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 08:54:17 -0500 A K1 is a great kit to build even for a beginner. If you know how to solder, you can build the K1. The manual is straight forward and if you have questions, the Elecraft Crew or this list will be sure to get you back on track. Build a K1 it's truly an amazing Transceiver. Regards, Robert VE3RPF ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rod Adams" To: Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 4:51 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Hi all, I've been lurking around the list for a while now. My interest in CW and QRP has recently been re-ignited by the purchase of a FT817 which I like. However, I'm getting the urge to build something and I like the idea of a K1. It's been a long time ( the mid 80's) since I last built someting, a Pac-Comm TNC-200, so I'm thinking, should I build something like a Small Wonder SW+ or a Wilderness SST as a warm up? Here's hoping some one on the list "might have been there, done that". 73, Rod VK3CBO ++++++++++++++++++ From: DolfinDon at aol.com Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 08:10:19 EST Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Build a K1? To: cbo at iprimus.com.au, elecraft at mailman.qth.net In a message dated 2/12/2002 3:52:46 AM Central Standard Time, cbo at iprimus.com.au writes: so I'm thinking, should I build something like a Small Wonder SW+ or a Wilderness SST as a warm up? ------------------- Hi No need to warm up. Go for the K1-4! Use the warm up money on the K1-4 options like the KAT1, KNB1 or KBT1. Elecraft and this list will help you with any problems or questions. Have Fun Don Brown KD5NDB +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Steve Banks" To: "Elecraft Corporation" , "Rod Adams" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 08:42:21 -0700 Rod- In 1994 I had been long-dormant in hamming...about 15 or 20 years, in fact. The last thing I built was in the early 90s--a Heath SA-5010 keyer, which I used to build up enough CW speed to pass the Extra-Class code element at 20wpm (plus the written element, of course). Prior to the keyer, I'd built and operated numerous Heathkits, but I'd sold them all a long time ago in order to take care of critical details like career and family. (My building appetite all started with an HBR-16 Receiver in the early 60s.) I don't consider myself an expert builder, but I'm very methodical and thorough about the stuff I build, and that seems to pay off for me. Using my license and hitting local VHF repeaters was fine with an HT I purchased after I retired, but I still felt a strong urge to reenter the HF bands. The Small Wonder Labs and Elecraft ads in QST (I'd rejoined ARRL) caught my attention and I was hooked. I assembled the PSK20 (a dandy little Xcvr BTW), exercized it on 20m PSK for a lot of Qs and then followed up with my K2 (S/N 1599). I found (and still am finding) the K2 experience to be a very rewarding and educational one; the Elecraft reflector and website were, and still are, a gold mine of help and information. Any mode on the K2 is a ton of fun, but I find CW to be the most enjoyable. I suspect you'd find either the K2 or the K1 to be very doable kits; both are superb performers. They are outstanding products with equally outstanding instruction manuals and a support staff which is legendary. Go for either one; you won't regret either choice. 73 Steve Banks K0PQ K2 S/N 1599 +++++++++++++++++ From: "Thor, n9ik" To: , Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 10:16:45 -0600 Rod, I just recently built a K1-4, with all the options, and let me tell you - the experience was very satisfying, fun and educational. This was my first kit ever. Prior to building the K1, my "building" was limited to the odd cable interface for tying my other HF radio to my laptop for digital modes, cable adapters, and the like. I was as about as inexperienced as you could get. Well, I completed the K1, and except for needing to redo the first three toroids I wound (actually I just had to do the first, but I decided that I'd do all three "just in case"), everything worked the first time, as it was supposed to. The K1-4 Kit and all of the options are designed, manufactured, documented and packaged for the neophyte builder like me, but I'm guessing will still provide some fun for the experienced builder. The point is, If I can do it, just about anyone can. Just follow the recommendations, follow the extremely well prepared documentation/instructions, and you will succeed the first time. For me, the experience was such a good experience, that I've decided that the K1 is my "warm-up" for a K2. I'm willing to bet that once you have built your K1, you'll find it such a pleasure to use that if CW is what turns you on, you'll find that you will be using it _far_ more than you'll be using the FT-817. 73 & good luck! - Thor, N9IK +++++++++++++++++ To: Charles Greene Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 13:07:44 -0700 (MST) From: cyr999 at extremezone.com Cc: DolfinDon at aol.com, cbo at iprimus.com.au, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Charles - I thought the same way as you are thinking and built an SWL40. In retrospect, I would go straight for the K1 - in some ways, due to the excellent manual, it is easier than the SWL40! And go for the 4-bander - it is out of site!!!!!!! 73/Tim Logan KB7OEX Quoting Charles Greene : > At 08:10 AM 2/12/2002 -0500, DolfinDon at aol.com wrote: > >In a message dated 2/12/2002 3:52:46 AM Central Standard Time, > >cbo at iprimus.com.au writes: > > > > > > so I'm thinking, should I build something like a Small Wonder SW+ or > a > >Wilderness SST as a warm up? +++++++++++++++++ From: "Rod Adams" To: Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 19:47:41 +1100 Subject: [Elecraft] I should build the K1 Wow! What a response, thank you all for your considered answers. I will = go ahead with the idea of building the noise blanker first, followed by = the K1-4. If I save real hard I should be in a position to order the = kits around late April/early May. I have a temperature controlled iron and a head mounted flip down = magnifier and being a slow builder should help. Once again, thank you for the ideas and support. 73, Rod = VK3CBO +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 08:50:31 -0700 From: Fritz Wagoner To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Build a K1? Hello Rod, I built a PixieII to warm up for the K-1, I wish I'd built the K-1 to warm up for the PixieII. Save the money for K-1 goodies. Fritz KD5OGZ +++++++++++++++++++++++