I Found an Unbuilt Elecraft K1 Radio Kit!

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  • Опубліковано 26 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @marciuschester7739
    @marciuschester7739 5 років тому +15

    I'm very happy that you found what you was looking for. You're a good man and there's not alot of people like you on UA-cam.
    God Bless

  • @michaelscoofield
    @michaelscoofield 5 років тому +4

    Always amazed how hot and quiet the K1 receiver is! Big congrats. I am now trying to repair and put in order K1 for my son. GL! 73 MS

  • @bruceweight7319
    @bruceweight7319 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for your videos. I enjoy them.

  • @JennyEverywhere
    @JennyEverywhere 5 років тому

    I know what you mean about building it yourself. We have a K2 that we built about 15 years ago. It was an early one, S/N
    #1641. We purchased it in January of 2007, about 8 years after we got our tickets. It got us into the mode of building our own radios. I'd been making antennas for a few years, but this was the first real radio we built.
    Now I build radios routinely, and the gear to use them. Some only come as semi-kits -- the manufacturer puts some of the parts on the board for you, notably surface-mount processors and such -- so I only have the pleasure of finishing them, supplying the enclosure and such. But it's still fun. I built W8TEE Jack Purdum's Modular 40m 49'er, with the crystal replaced by a digital VFO relatively recently, and it's a lovely little rig. I have one of the last DSW-20's from Small Wonder Labs, a 20m digital VFO driven CW rig that I built. I assembled, and upgraded, a HobbyPCB HF-RSIQ SDR to the self-contained IQ32, which I take into parks. (Though I sometimes take my recently-purchased KX3, which I didn't build.) I've got a couple of 4SQRP "Cricket" kits, very simple rockbound transceivers for 80 and 30 meters, and a couple of 40m "Pixie" transceivers I got on Ebay.
    Some of my kits don't have electronic keying, only mechanical keying. The Crickets have a simple PCB material straight key, assembled from a strip of the main PCB scored to be snapped off and mounted to make a simple key. The IQ32 only has a jack for a straight key as well, and that goes for the W8TEE/K2ZIA 40m rig as well. The DSW-20 has a keyer chip in it. So I bought a prebuilt SMD keyer board, with the hardware to mount it in an enclosure. (I actually bought two of them.) I just built the enclosure for it yesterday, and it turned out very well. It keys the IQ32 perfectly. I have an old 80m "Tixie", essentially a redesigned Pixie, but having an integrated Tick keyer chip. I need to rebuild the thing and get it back on the air.
    I wish I could get some more of those Tick chips, but the maker went out of business quite a while ago. These days, you can get a small microcontroller, such as an Arduino, and program it up, so the dedicated keyer chips don't have as much of a market. I made a small USB Morse-to-Text device that you plug into your computer's USB port. When you enter CW via a connected straight key, it puts the appropriate text into your computer's keyboard buffer, so you can enter text via Morse. I use that when my chronic pain makes it difficult to type. Someday I'll combine it with a keyer program so I can attach a set of paddles instead. Maybe I'll use the YACK keyer program for it.
    I get as much enjoyment out of making radios and other bits of gear as I do from using them on the air. It's very satisfying to actually make the equipment you use.

  • @warplanner8852
    @warplanner8852 3 роки тому

    Gil, late to the dance (yet again) but compelled to add my appreciation of the early Elecraft products. I am not as fond of the K1 as you are. I built one after my K2 (serial number 999) but sold it off. I did not miss mine as much as you did. But the K2 kit - bought in 1998 or so - really lit up the scoreboard for me! I pretty much ran the table on follow-on accessory kits - tuner, SSB, 160m, NB, etc. It has been my #1 go-to radio for the past 15 years of FDs and I still love it!

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому

      Well, I sure regret selling my K2!

  • @MyTube4Utoo
    @MyTube4Utoo 5 років тому

    So sorry about your boat, but glad you got to build another K1! Such a great radio. Love your channel, Gil. Truly one of the best Amateur Radio channels on UA-cam!

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому +1

      Thank you! I will never sell that K1!

    • @MyTube4Utoo
      @MyTube4Utoo 5 років тому

      @@RadioPrepper You're welcome.

  • @TrystansWorkbench
    @TrystansWorkbench 5 років тому

    That was a very good video. I'm sorry to hear that you are not in the best of health, and hope that you get better, or failing that you can get to terms with. I'm a great fan of Elecraft too (with a K2). All the very best, and many thanks.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Thank you. I just need to start physical training again, used to exercise 1:30 per day... Nothing now... Not good...

    • @TrystansWorkbench
      @TrystansWorkbench 5 років тому +1

      That's a good bit of training you used to do. Just ease in gently in any physical exertion you do. Just build it up. Slow and steady. Your viewers and your friends and family want to see you for a long time yet! All the very best. Trystan G0KAY

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Will do!

  • @stephenhawes5391
    @stephenhawes5391 3 роки тому +1

    My 'like' has just tipped this video over the 500 mark :-) Thank you for all the videos Gil - very enjoyable.

  • @Dr-T
    @Dr-T 3 роки тому

    Morning Gil. I have a K1 and a K2. I built them both and they are 'keepers.' I use them both -- all the time.
    The K1 is my 'pick up and go' portable rig and my K2 is paired with the K3 I built in my QRP SO2R setup .
    I also have 2 sets of 2- band boards for the K1 so the same coverage as yours. (I agree, the ATU is excellent)
    I also have the predecessor of the K1 -- the 'Wilderness Sierra' which I also built and have a bunch of additional band modules still to build.
    Its also a very good QRP CW TRX -- but not as 'cute' as the K1
    Finally, I have an SSB TX conversion board for the K1 -- that turns it into a 2- mode SSB and CW TRX. I built and tested the board but have never had the heart to dismantle my K1 to fit it!
    If Elecraft re-introduced a modern' K1 kit, I would buy another in an instant!
    Stay safe. 73 Bruce G4ABX

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому

      Yes! I also stupidly sold my K2 :-(

    • @Dr-T
      @Dr-T 3 роки тому

      @@RadioPrepper So did I -- but missed it so much, I bought another kit and built another K2 and the 100 watt amp and hi power ATU in a matching K2 case -- so now I have a complete portable K2 QRP with internal battery and ATU and when in the shack I can choose to hook it up to its Power Amp and ATU. A rig for all seasons! 73 Bruce G4ABX

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому

      And that's why I'm on my third K1! Never selling that one!

  • @thor-kw4mj800
    @thor-kw4mj800 5 років тому +2

    I also built, and later had to sell, a 4-band K1 with all the options. I’ve regretted letting it go ever since.

  • @thom3124
    @thom3124 5 років тому

    Built my K1 a couple of years ago but only recently got it aligned. Now I am tweaking the VFO and the radio to get it spot on frequency. Only managed to build a 40/20 meter board before they discontinued it.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Awesome. The K1 is by far my favorite radio!

  • @WiltshireMan
    @WiltshireMan 5 років тому +1

    Welldone on completing the K1 build Gil. Maybe we can have a 2 way K1 qso one day. I built my K1 over 15 years ago and still works great.
    Sandy

  • @tonyd6884
    @tonyd6884 5 років тому +3

    Love the elekraft stuff. Glad you found a K1

  • @MoTown44240
    @MoTown44240 5 років тому

    A very lucky find. I too started in CB radio before becoming a ham. I was 23, just out of the military and attending college in 1970. My first radio was kit built from Heathkit, the HW-9 that I built in 1985.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Great kits too from what I heard!

  • @HamRadioCrashCourse
    @HamRadioCrashCourse 5 років тому

    What bag are you using? Looks like a roll top waterproof bag? Nice! Glad to see these kits still out there. I'm always looking for a KX1 kit. I missed buying the last of them.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Good luck with your search, great radio! Yes, roll up waterproof.

  • @kb9lvt
    @kb9lvt 5 років тому +2

    its always great to hear another ham got his favorite radio congrats from Kb9lvt 73s

  • @jamescarroll6954
    @jamescarroll6954 4 роки тому

    Feel better soon, Gil. Thanks for posting this!

  • @randalltom9750
    @randalltom9750 2 роки тому +1

    My first kit build will be my QDX! I have the kit, not the time… but I can’t wait…. Loved the video, thanks Gil! 72, de W7UDT (dit dit)

  • @W-733_KWX
    @W-733_KWX 5 років тому

    Very happy for you Gil, and i know what you feel : I too was looking for the radio of my start in my teenage and could find a NIB last year, could not believe I could get one ; I was told once, " you won't find a radio in that condition ", and yes it happens, happened to me, happened to you : bottom line, keep dreaming and hoping, don't give up, it will come true once.

  • @levicaddell1077
    @levicaddell1077 5 років тому +2

    Nice radio.... you are a lucky man....😊

  • @cwguy8960
    @cwguy8960 5 років тому +2

    "You get my drift....no pun intended about the K1" HA!! I looked up your sailing mishap from years ago.....I can't imagine how that was for you. I'm so glad you found an unassembled K1 to replace it! I've had my eye on one of these for quite a while....but already own too many hf rigs. Can you own too many HF rigs? Maybe that one will be next..... Nice video - thanks for sharing. Now for some QSOs on it!

    • @jamescoffey5225
      @jamescoffey5225 5 років тому +1

      Actually you can own too many hf rigs, but the number of rigs that are too many approaches infinity! LOL

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому +1

      You do need that K1 ;-)

  • @leslieaustin151
    @leslieaustin151 4 роки тому

    I loved this! I have a very early K2, (“QRP full house”) built by a friend, and a K1-4 band, with ATU, etc, built by me. Also a KX3. The K1 is my favourite radio and I know others who have one who say the same. It has it’s own special magic, and it’s very own sound which is really good. I have hearing issues, but the K1 comes through well every time.
    I agree with you, Elecraft should bring back the K1, but I think they have gone off on the high profit per unit path, like TenTec before them, and they’re unlikely to come back.. keep up the good work Gil! 73, Les g0nmd

  • @HamRadioCrashCourse
    @HamRadioCrashCourse 5 років тому

    I have that same QRPguys tuning indicator. I like it!

  • @donr2670
    @donr2670 5 років тому

    Radio Prepper, I love my KX1 as you enjoy K1. I have built K2's (2). These are the heart and soul of Elecraft. When the company refocused on contesting radios they lost me, even though I enjoy contests. Yes, the KX2, KX3, and now the K4 - but these are all "shrink wrap" devices. Wayne you must throw us another Classic style bone OM, something like K1 again or something else similar!

  • @darrinpearce9780
    @darrinpearce9780 5 років тому +1

    Great story and congrats on the find and build.

  • @thuff3207
    @thuff3207 5 років тому

    Gil I’m glad you got what you wanted and yes it is a good radio. I still would like the Kx2 for its small size and wider frequency range. Also I prefer DSP filters. Thank you for your video. Always good.

  • @leitnerivan
    @leitnerivan 5 років тому +1

    Happy that you found it !

  • @steve7931
    @steve7931 5 років тому

    Hi Gill, I agree with every one of your comments on the K1, I use the KX1 and a K2, great radios. I have been searching for a K1 for two years now without success and if Elecraft was to make the K1 kit available again, I would be first in line. Good Dx with your new K1, I know it will bring much pleasure to you and big smiles when using it.
    Best 73. Steve F/M0ZSM

  • @paulpetty7662
    @paulpetty7662 5 років тому

    I modified my K1 for 160m a few years back. I operate it from HB9 and DL regularly working back to the UK. As you have probable discovered a 160m option is included in the firmware so I am not sure why Elekraft never offered it as an option although you will need to get a crystal made if you want to have correct calibration. The internal ATU is of coarse useless on 160m although the SWR readout is OK. Good luck with that project anyway as you say the K1 is great it definately has a sole. I have two of them! Paul G4CVD

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Thanks Paul. I am still looking for a filter board PCB...

  • @ASCIITerminal
    @ASCIITerminal 4 роки тому

    I too would like to see a revamped version of the K1. I contemplated buying one several times and never did!

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  4 роки тому +1

      You can find them used but at a premium.

  • @stevejones8665
    @stevejones8665 5 років тому

    Of course a Radio can have a Soul well at least it has it's own Character.. I once had a Ford Corsair car me and my friend's used to call her Bertha and we were convinced she had a heart.😊...
    Hope you are feeling better soon..take care.

  • @michaelsharp8229
    @michaelsharp8229 5 років тому

    Happy for you, Gil! Glad you got a chance to build an old favorite. Have fun! 73s!

  • @paulegan3779
    @paulegan3779 5 років тому

    I hummed and hawed about buying a K1 for a long time and then missed the boat. I've always regretted that. I totally agree that they should bring it back.
    I'm just about to start a Norcal 40A which I believe is also a Wayne Burdick design.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому +1

      I think it is... A friend is mailing me a PCB for one...

  • @nr3rful
    @nr3rful 5 років тому +4

    Great for you...you always have neat stuff

  • @ae1tpa92gwtom2
    @ae1tpa92gwtom2 5 років тому +2

    Good On Ya Gil, 73s A92GW AE1TP

  • @Digi4u
    @Digi4u 5 років тому

    Great to see you found the K1 you were looking for Gil ! And I agree, Elecraft has fantastic radio's, and one day I'd like to build a K2....hopefully they don't stop the production of the kit like they did with the K1. Have fun and many nice QSO's with the K1.... 73 ON4CDJ

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому +1

      Thanks. If you want a K2, better not wait too long...

  • @forthy62
    @forthy62 5 років тому

    Congrats to your K1! I still feel sorry for my first HF radio. It wasn't a kit it was a Kenwood TS-120V. Sold it for the same reasons you sold your first K1...So I know how you feel :-) I am really happy with my KX2 and my old FT-187NF, but the first radio is the first radio :-) 73s de Stephan DF6PA

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Maybe there is one somewhere with your name on it...

  • @USXPOP
    @USXPOP 5 років тому

    Your comments on the soul of the K1 is very familiar to me. As a boy I would often help my Dad work on our car. He said the machines have a soul and a life. and to get best performance from them you must treat them with respect and care. Radios are the same. Sometimes you must "sweet talk" to them to give their best, not unlike a woman.

  • @nontimebomala2267
    @nontimebomala2267 5 років тому

    Bummer on the boat. Sorry to hear that.

  • @AdamosDad
    @AdamosDad 3 роки тому

    In 1965 I bought a Lafayette Comsat 25a 🎙73's kd9oam (2021 calling)

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому

      My first radio was a Lafayette LM300.

    • @AdamosDad
      @AdamosDad 3 роки тому +1

      @@RadioPrepper Yes a very cool 70's radio, I was re-watching some of your older videos and picked up on that. I still have old friends around me that use CB's, so in the evenings I have my 2meter i-com, a xiegu g90 on 80meters and my old cb on chan.23. It can get quite noisy in my dining room.. I am absolutly hooked on all radio and the Radio Prepper. 🎙73's kd9oam

  • @thuff3207
    @thuff3207 5 років тому

    Thank you for showing off the K1 kit. How does it Compare to the Kx2? It would be great to see them side by side.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      I sold the KX2 but performance is as good receiving. The KX2 has better filtering of course. The K1 has a more "organic" sound.

  • @on6uufrank
    @on6uufrank 5 років тому

    I'm a bit surprised the K1 is a bit drifty... Is that normal ? Congratz on the finding Gil. K1 should return indeed !!!!!!!!!!! 73 ON6UU

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Hi, yes, but it settles down after 15mins..

    • @on6uufrank
      @on6uufrank 5 років тому +1

      @@RadioPrepperOk I will test that this evening, I've had the chance to buy #00031, did not hessitate one moment when I saw the for sale announcement. :-) I even thought I was going to be too late because announcement was already 3 hours online.... ..

  • @petrok1rp254
    @petrok1rp254 3 роки тому

    The stopping of the K1 production was one of the most biggest mistake of Elecraft guys at all! I know well that it had to be done because of the unavailability of several components for K1... but the point was to redesign it for new - in production components and continue to producing the K1S or so...:)

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому

      Definitely Petr. The K1 is still the best CW radio IMHO and people still want to build kits. QRP-Labs sells thousands.. It would have been viable for Elecraft to redesign the K1.

  • @srs26
    @srs26 3 роки тому

    I wish they still offered quality kits like the K1 or KX1 for $300! I'm loving CW and don't have the money to buy a KX2 or KX3 which I would love to own but we need to have those lower cost kits in the hobby! I also would like one of the Weber radios but they are also expensive. I think you mentioned, Gil, in one of your videos that your MTR was $120, over here in UK they are about £350!! At this time, what would be your top 3 choices for QRP CW or CW and SSB radios??
    Kind regards,
    Simon, M0SYS

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому +1

      I agree. Check the Weber Tri-Bander at qrp-kits.con, QCX at qrp-labs.com and qrp-guys.com

    • @srs26
      @srs26 3 роки тому +1

      @@RadioPrepper Have you seen or tried the SW-3B? 3 band CW only, similar idea to the 3 band mountain topper?

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  3 роки тому +1

      No, but I have considered it...

  • @KU9L
    @KU9L Рік тому

    We can't even find these used now, I am so bummed as for someone that stutters like me is a CW guy and I have been inactive for 40 years, so I am like Rip Van Winkle getting back into the hobby again, there is no affordable low power CW only Quality rig like the Elecraft K1 for sale. I will keep checking the estate sales as I want to make a to-go bag for POTA, Cheers & 73, Dave, KU9L.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  Рік тому +1

      Keep looking, I found an unbuilt kit, so it isn't impossible..

  • @waxer12g87
    @waxer12g87 5 років тому

    Aw mayne! Cool!

  • @ElektroLUDIKITS
    @ElektroLUDIKITS 5 років тому

    The new flagship of Elecraft is the K4. Totally insane price.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому +1

      Yep, not for me! Even if I had the money.

  • @aerobobmyob8756
    @aerobobmyob8756 4 роки тому

    I'd buy a second K1 today if they brought it back.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  4 роки тому

      Me too. Eventually I'll buy a second used one..

  • @kd2kub
    @kd2kub 5 років тому +1

    Gil, I am still waiting on your email reply on my parts radio with the 2 band board and ATU. Let me know if you still want it before it ends up in the parts bin.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      Hi, I get paid on the 29th so I might go for it!!

    • @steve7931
      @steve7931 5 років тому

      Hi, can I be second in line please, Steve. F/M0ZSM

    • @kd2kub
      @kd2kub 5 років тому

      @@RadioPrepper will do! sorry for bugging you on this.

    • @kd2kub
      @kd2kub 5 років тому

      @@steve7931 noted QRZ email is good sendme your email

    • @steve7931
      @steve7931 5 років тому

      Andriy Gronau , my email as per QRZ.com. F/M0ZSM

  • @m0wao690
    @m0wao690 5 років тому

    Funny thou as I had to sell my own build KX3 when made redundant :( Still have good memories and some video about that KX3

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      So do I!

    • @m0wao690
      @m0wao690 5 років тому

      As I'm a bit back on my feet trying to get hold on a used K2

  • @leethompson5274
    @leethompson5274 5 років тому +1

    I didn't hear any indication you were looking for a un-built K1. I must have missed a video. I have a 4 bander with add-on's that I am going to sell soon.
    Lee, WA8QFE

    • @steve7931
      @steve7931 5 років тому

      Lee Thompson Hi Lee, have sent you an email,, Steve F/M0ZSM

    • @leethompson5274
      @leethompson5274 5 років тому

      @@steve7931 , Waiting on it....mycall@arrl.net will work.
      Lee, WA8QFE

  • @johnkershaw9575
    @johnkershaw9575 5 років тому

    Gil, Hope all is well. Great video. Elecraft is releasing the K4 his week. Nice but a lot of money. Money well spent but still a lot of money. Hope the job is going good. Sorry about your boat. It must have been devastating. Take care. John

  • @juju-yi9di
    @juju-yi9di 2 роки тому

    suis je fou?
    je suis francais et je ne comprend pas super bien l'anglais,
    je suis plutot jeune et interessé par le radio amateurisme et le morse
    j'ai ete totalement interessé par votre video, elors que jai peut etre compris que un mot sur trois, mais je trouve cela incroyable de pouvoir se monter son propre tranceiver!
    je compte passer ma licence radio amateur!
    Finalement je dois etre fou,
    je vais follow la chaine et esperer plus de video en francais!
    La chaine est vraiment tres complete niveau HAM!
    bravo

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  2 роки тому

      Super, il y en aura encore en Français!

  • @bodacious2276
    @bodacious2276 4 роки тому

    There's an kit on ebay right now.

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  4 роки тому

      Link?

    • @bodacious2276
      @bodacious2276 4 роки тому

      @@RadioPrepper www.ebay.com/itm/Elecraft-K1-QRP-Transceiver-Rare-Unbuilt-Kit-w-HF-4-Band-Module-LCD-Backlight/254527155817?hash=item3b43002e69:g:0EwAAOSwNvBeWwHP

    • @bodacious2276
      @bodacious2276 4 роки тому

      De W9ALK

  • @qvatch
    @qvatch 5 років тому +2

    eh, watching assembly is it's own fun

  • @Capecodham
    @Capecodham 5 років тому

    Film? There is film in your camera?

    • @RadioPrepper
      @RadioPrepper  5 років тому

      There used to be, as a Leica fan.

  • @paoemantega8793
    @paoemantega8793 5 років тому +1

    I'll buy a K1

  • @charlieb.4273
    @charlieb.4273 5 років тому +1

    Yeah!!!!!!! Charlie KM4ZZ