Introduction
The Elecraft KX1 is an extreme versatile, ultra-light and powerfull HAM Radio transceiver. I took it with me during a short holiday to the Netherlands Antilles in March 2008. The KX1 has an onboard antenna tuner and with the transceiver you can transmit CW with the bulid in keyer. My KX1 is configured to work on the 40, 30 and 20 meter amateur bands. Apart from transmitting, you can also listen to phone amateur radio station and even broadcast station on frequency bands close the configured HAM bands. For more information surf to Elecrafts website.
Carrying the rig around
For transportation of the rig and the additional equipment and accessories such as antennas, spare batteries and earphones, I bought a photo camara case at my local photography shop. This bag can easily carry all stuff needed to take the KX1 with you while hicking, bicking or riding and you can even take it has hand luggage on the plane! Included in the case are:
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The 2 wire antennas can be used in a dipole configuration connected to the KX1 using the BNC-banana adapter. The 50 ohm terminator is usefull to adjust the KX1 internal tuner before tuning the Buddistick.
In the pictures below you can see how everything fits in the bag. Click on the pictures to enlarge.
 Accessories in the front. |
 KX1 in main compartment. |
 Including a VX2 porto. |
 And the paddle in a bag. |
It is even possible to store my Yaesu VX2 handy in the same bag. In that case I will also put some small V/UHF antennas in the pouch.
PJ2/PA3ANG
The intention to go to Curacao was not to activite this Island or to start a big DX pile-up. I was only QRV for some limited periods of time and used not the wire antennas but a Buddistick in stead. Here you can see the setup and even the OM while being on the air.
 Buddistick facing the ocean. |
 Setup with KX1. |
 Logging using a Palm T|X and pen + paper. |
 PJ2/PA3ANG. |
The log
I made in total 12 QSO´s in CW and mostly on 20 meters. In the log are:
W1AEC, VC3E, TI8/DL4MO, 8R1AD, KA3ARF, V25OP, K8CW, K0RU/M, EA5/UT2X, HK4CZE, OM4MF and VP5/W5SL.
The last two are on 40 Meters.
In fact I should have used the callsign PJ2/PA3ANG/P/qrp as I was running only 2 watt RF on battery power.
Nice set up for QRP. My set up is basically the same except that I use a buddistick and all my ham work has been in local parks. Best of Luck.
Hello Johan.
Your article about the Elecraft reads very good. I want kindly ask you for
advice. I am a German SWL. Have heard and confirmed all actual DXCC
list countries and now I am interested in receiving broadcast and other stations. Is the Elecraft good for AM reception ? I also would travel with
the radio because it looks so nice portable. Which model of Elecraft can
you recommend for my purpose ? When I say broadcast / utility recep-
tion I mean the entire frequency range between mediumwave and 30
Mhz. The rig should be second hand in very good condition.How much
can I pay for it ? I look forward to receiving your answer. Thanks a
lot in advance. 73 Claudio.
Hello Claudio,
The Elecraft KX1 is not good voor AM reception. It is a dedicated CW transceiver for the HAM bands and does some tuning outside these band for reception but nog good enough to be a full coverage AM receiver.
I would go for a low cost SW receiver like the Sony 7600 types. (no longer sold but 2nd hand or look alikes from Aldi)
vy 73 de Johan, PA3ANG