Homebrewing, DX’ing
and QRP
(How to re-energize your interest in
Ham Radio without Viagra…)
Bringing the fun of building back to Ham Radio.
Who Are We?
Both hams since ‘71
 Wayne (N6KR, ex WN6HQH)

– QRP Design Fanatic (Sierra, NorCal40, SST…)
– B.S. Cognitive Science, UCSD
– Silicon Valley Guy (Firmware / EE / UI)

Eric (WA6HHQ)
– Kamikaze QRP DX’er (NorCal40 DXCC)
– B. S. Electronics, Yale
– Startup Addict: Mountain Comp., Verisys, Elecraft
Eric, WA6HHQ
Wayne, N6KR
Complimentary Styles
Wayne – N6KR:

QRP, Low Power Drain, Portable

Elegant, Minimum Number of Parts

Easy to use, Excellent Documentation
Eric – WA6HHQ:

QRO/QRP, High Performance Design

Big Rig Features

Solid Engineering Design
Goals…..

Re-birth of the ‘Heathkit’ Experience

Building and using your rig is Fun! (‘Mojo’)

Create a worldwide community of Elecraft
builders to share their experiences.

Encourage portable HF operation.

Bring back the excitement of building,
modifying, (breaking), fixing and operating
with equipment you have built yourself!
The Excitement is Back!

Portable / Mobile DX’ing
(20M-10M is HOT with
the sunspot peak!)
World Wide Builder Community on the
internet and on the air.
 Chasing DX - This time QRP!
 Building Modifying our own Radios
 Meeting new people world wide on the air.
 Sharing experiences and ideas.

K1 Four or Two-Band HF Transceiver
Introducing the K1…a compact, high-performance CW rig that you
can build.
HF operation is more fun than ever these days–five watts is all you need to
work worldwide DX. That's why we've packed four bands into our
affordable easy-to-build K1 transceiver. With your choice of *four* HF
bands (40, 30, 20, and 17 or 15 meters) or *two* bands (80, 40, 30, 20,
17 and 15 meters available) you'll be able to go where the action is, day or
night.
“I Can’t Believe It’s a Kit!”
The K1 is small–only 2.2"H x 5.2"W x 5.6"D, and weighs 1.4 pounds. Yet
we've included many features you'd expect in a desk-top HF transceiver,
including RIT and XIT, full break-in CW, memory keyer, three crystal filter
bandwidths, configuration menu, speaker, and digital display. The K1 is
styled to match our all-band K2 transceiver, with the same “look and feel,”
attention to detail, and operating mojo you'd expect from Elecraft.
An HF radio you'll never leave at home
Looking for adventure? With its low receive-mode current drain of under 58
mA, the K1 is a natural for portable operation. (You really can power it from a
9-volt battery, in a pinch, thanks to our low-dropout 8-volt regulator.) Hikers
will appreciate our unique Wide-Range Tilt Stand (model KTS1), which
supports the radio at any desired viewing angle.
Ideal for first-time kit builders
We use only through-hole components in the K1 to make construction and
testing a breeze. And our wireless design methodology eliminates nearly all
point-to-point wiring. Finally, the front panel and filter boards plug directly
into the RF board to form a clean, rugged assembly. You'll be tempted to leave
the cover off to admire your work!
You also won't need a lab-full of test gear to align the K1. It includes a built-in
digital voltmeter, wattmeter, and frequency counter.
K1 – Cover Off
K1 – Side View (Panels Removed)
KAT1 ATU Mounted above K1 Filter Board
Comprehensive Assembly Manual
You'll find the K1 manual easy to follow, with step-by-step assembly, clear
illustrations and photos, and modular checkout of each major section. There's also
a detailed theory of operation section, as well as a complete troubleshooting
guide.
Strong Customer Support
Our technical support via telephone and the Internet will get your Elecraft K1 up
and running quickly. On-line manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQ),
application notes and our user group e-mail list make building the K1 a great
experience.
K1 Pricing

K1 Four Band CW Transceiver (5W)
$349.00
– 40, 30, 20, and 17 or 15M available.

K1 Two Band CW Transceiver (5W)
$279.00
– 80, 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15M available.

Additional Two-Band Module
$ 59.00

Noise Blanker
$ 35.00

Internal Auto Tuner
$ 89.00

KTS1 Wide Range Tilt Stand
$ 35.00
K1 with Wide Range Tilt Stand (for field use)
The K2 CW/SSB HF Transceiver
The K2 Transceiver

Key Fundamentals:
– Fun to use!
– Good RX Performance
(3rd Order dyn range= 99dB; IP2 = +77dBm;
Blocking Dynamic Range = 133db; Low Phase Noise)
– No wires construction; Modular, upgradeable
– User modifiable designs - Easy to understand
– Efficient 12v operation for home or field use
The K2

Small and Light: 3 x 7.5 x 7.5” ; 3Lbs.

160-10 meters; PLL synthesized

CW only and SSB/CW (SSB upgrade)

Down conversion to low IF (4.915MHz)
– Best trade-off of cost / complexity
– IF derived AGC, Variable B/W CW crystal filter

10W PEP (100W option module)
K2 Options

SSB

Internal Auto Tuner (Latching Relays)

160M / 2nd RX Antenna

Audio Filter/Real Time Clock

Noise Blanker (Excellent Performance)

Internal 2.9 AH Battery (3 lbs.)
(7 pole SSB filter; speech compressor)
K2 SSB Option
160M / 2nd Ant Option
Audio Filter/
Real time Clock
K2 Advanced Features

CW Full Break-in; Diode Switched TX/RX

Programmable Memory Keyer

‘Hunt and Pounce’ Band Search Mode

120ma Low Current RX Mode

Built in Test: Freq. Counter, Volt/Amp Meters

Self Calibration Firmware
(9 memories)
K2 Receiver Performance Comparisons
RIG
MDS (dBm)
IMDDR3 (dB)
Ip3 (dBm)
Ip2 (dBm)
BDR (dB)
Phase
Noise (dBc
at +4 kHz)
K2
-131/-138
97 / 98
+21.6 / +6.9
+76 / +75
136 / 128
-120
FT-1000MP
-128 /-135
97 / 94
+15 / +5
+86/+88
142 / 137
-118
Ten-Tec Omni6+
-133
97
+12
+58
123 (nl)
-117
IC-756 PRO**
-128 / -136 / 140
95 / 92 / 88
+15.4 / +4.3
/ -6.9
+64 / +63 /
+43
127 / 125 /
120
-130
TS-870
-129 / -139
97 / 95
+16 / +4
+63 / +63
127 / 123
-118
Kachina 505DSP
-133 / -142
99 / 97
+15.5 / +3.5
+49 / +30
103 / 103
-117
Pegasus 550DSP
-132
77
+7.2
+44.3
110 (nl)
-104
Patcom PC1600A
-127
94
+17.6
+54.1
118
-100
IC-706MKIIG
-136/-142
89 / 86
-1.3 / -11
-132/-139
90 / 88
+3/-7
122(nl)/120(n
l)
113 / 109
-118
TS-50
+36.4 /
+38.5
not meas.
Ten-Tec Scout
-125
87
+5.5
not meas.
119
-95
SGC-2020
-130
88
+15.5
+32
110 (nl)
-108
-115
Numbers in RED indicate results that are below average for the radios listed. See the actual ARRL reviews for details.
RX Comparison Notes:
These numbers are for 14Mhz operation, 500 Hz CW filter, AGC off, High Ip mode.
XX / YY = (preamp-off) / (preamp-on) test results
** The IC-756 PRO has two different gain preamps. Numbers are for Pre-Off / Pre #1 / Pre #2. Pre #2 adds more RX gain than Pre #1 at the
expense of dynamic range. Higher preamp gain reduces strong signal dynamic range. For comparison, Pre-Off and Pre #1 most closely match
the K2's and other radio's settings and are the most commonly used positions
nl = test was noise limited (noise floor rose 1db before 1db of blocking desense occurred)
MDS = Minimum Discernible Signal (3db increase above noise floor). Larger negative numbers are generally better, but too much sensitivity
can reduce strong signal dynamic range and Ip3. Pre-Amp On MDS numbers of -134dBm or more are more than adequate for most HF band
operating, since band noise is typically above this number. (Lower frequencies need less MDS (more +number) due to an increase in
atmospheric noise.)
IMDDR3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Two tone IMD Dynamic Range. This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of
multiple strong nearby signals in relation to its sensitivity (MDS). Higher is better. Pre-Amp Off IMDDR3 numbers of +95dBm or more are
considered excellent.
Ip3 = 2 tone (20 kHz spacing) 3rd order Intercept Point. This test also shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong nearby
signals. Higher is better. Pre-Amp OFF IP3 numbers of +15dBm are good, and +20dBm or more is excellent. Note: Low RX sensitivity can also
artificially increase the measured Ip3.
Ip2 = 2 tone (8.020MHz, 6.000MHz) 2nd order Intercept Point This test shows how the RX performs in the presence of multiple strong out of
band signals (such as broadcast signals on 6Mhz and 8Mhz creating birdies at 14Mhz). Higher is better. A Pre-Amp OFF IP2 of +55dBm is OK,
and +70dBm or more is considered excellent.
BDR = Blocking Dynamic Range (20 kHz spacing). This test shows when the receiver's sensitivity begins to drop in the presence of strong
near by signals. (Desense). A Pre-Amp OFF BDR of greater than 120dBm is good. Greater than 130dBm is considered excellent.
Phase Noise = value read from ARRL test graph at +10 kHz from the carrier. Numbers are for the worst case band. Larger negative numbers
are better. Bad phase noise contributes to poor RX Blocking Dynamic Range (desense from nearby signals.) Good values are -120 dBc or
better at +10 kHz. See the actual ARRL phase noise plots in each review for details of other spurious phase noise components.
ARRL Results are from QST rig reviews (K2, 3/00; IC756 PRO, 6/00; Omni6+, 11/97; FT1000MP, 4/96; Scout, 12/93; TS-50, 9/93; SGC-2020,
10/98; IC706MKII, 7/99; Ten Tec Pegasus, 2/00; Kachina 505DSP, 5/98; Patcom PC-1600A, 12/00)
K2 Phase Noise (ARRL Lab)
K2 Block Diagram
RX ANT.
12V
12V DC
ON/OFF
RX ANT.
SWITCH
BANDPASS
FILTERS
POWER
AMP
(10W)
DRIVER
T-R
LOW-PASS
FILTERS
T-R
ANT.
AGC
I.F. OUT
T-R
ATTEN.
AND
PREAMP
RCV
MIXER
1ST I.F.
AMP
NOISE
BLANKER
BUFFER
T-R
CRYSTAL
FILTERS
XMIT
MIXER
T-R
BAL.
MOD.
2ND I.F.
AMP
PROD.
DETECTOR
MIC
AF
SYNTH.
AF
OUT
VCO
BFO
KEY
Common
Transmit
Receive
Option
Connector
EleCraft
K2 MAIN PCB BLOCK DIAGRAM
W. Burdick/E. Swartz
Rev. A 11-30-97
K2 Pricing

K2 HF Transceiver (CW)…. $589.00

SSB Option ………………... $ 85.00

160M / 2nd RX Ant. ………. $ 35.00

Audio Filter/RT Clock …….. $ 69.00

Noise Blanker ……………... $ 35.00

Internal Auto Tuner ……….. $149.00

Internal 2.9AH Battery w/hw $ 79.00

AUX I/O RS-232 Interface ... $ 89.00
Introducing
“Wow! You built that yourself?”
 K2 Fundamentals
– Modular, upgradeable, no wires construction
– User modifiable designs
– Efficient 12v operation for home or field use
– Excellent customer support
K2 Transceiver

Modular, no wires construction, 2.9”h x 7.8”w x 8.2”d

160-10 meters; PLL synthesized for low noise

CW only and SSB/CW (SSB upgrade)

Down conversion to low IF
– Best trade-off of cost / complexity
– IF derived AGC, Variable B/W crystal filter

10W PEP (Higher power option module)
Put the Fun back into Amateur Radio
The K2 160-10m SSB/CW Transceiver
re-creates the excitement of building
and operating a full featured HF radio.
Discover the thrill of building and really
understanding your own radio
equipment.
Big Rig Features
The K2 transceiver has the options you
have come to expect from radios costing
twice as much. Two VFO’s with
multiple memories, split TX/RX
operation, RIT/XIT, full break-in CW,
memory keyer, narrow crystal filtering,
excellent dynamic range and IF-derived
AGC are all standard.
Low Power Consumption
The K2 is designed for use both at
home and in the field. The K2’s low
receive current (approx. 100-150ma in
battery save mode) makes portable
operation possible from small gel-cell
batteries. The K2 even includes an
option for an internal 2.9AH battery.
Build the K2 for CW or CW/SSB
The K2 offers efficient QRP CW
operation on 80-10 meters with up to
10 watts power output. For more
operating versatility, add our SSB,
160m, High Power PA and other
options.
Comprehensive Assembly Manual
Our illustrated step-by-step assembly
instructions include modular
construction and checkout of each
control, receive and transmit stage.
Clear instructions combined with an
extensive theory of operation section
make the K2 a radio you can easily
build, understand and even modify.
Easy to Build, Understand and Repair
Elecraft’s wireless design methodology
eliminates most point to point wiring.
The K2 also includes built in test
equipment: voltmeter, frequency counter,
and RF power meter. Telephone and online technical support will get you up and
running quickly.
How to contact
www.elecraft.com
sales@elecraft.com