I’ve been waiting for mine for a few months. It should ship to me in the next week or two! Thanks for introducing me to the KX2. You’re a true pro. It’s rare to find someone in ham radio with excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. Thanks for sharing your talents with the TH-cam community. Nate - NDK
I'm pretty sure your channel is single handedly why I've had to wait 3 months for my kx2 😂 Thanks for all of the great videos and information. Your channel inspired me to start learning CW. 😊
I b😅ught my KX2 years ago. It's my favorite, period. The learning curve is steep... the radio, being a SDR, performs flawlessly. Once you set it up, don't mess with it. Write down your settings... Read the Cady book & manual. Given the size of the field kit, it's small... ideally, a Packtenna EFRW, 20' RG316, RF Choke, Rails, Spare battery and your favorite key. Add in a Throwline, and bingo. It is a small kit. The ATU is amazing. If I could suggest any upgrades to the radio, I'd add additional keyer memories (10) and a USB port (digital interface), and maybe Bluetooth. I'd buy it again, without hesitation. I'd buy two, but I highly doubt I'd need a spare. I am a very happy KX2 owner. 72 de W7UDT
The KX2 has become my go-to QRP rig for field operations. It is quick to set up, has an awesome tuner, and happens to live in the smallest of my field kits. I bought it as a second QRP option in case I ever had a problem with my TX-500, particularly after the world situation made commerce with Russia difficult. Once I got the KX2 on the air, two great features became obvious: minimal ancillary equipment and rapid band changes with the tuner. I also love the filters, the quick keyer speed adjustment, and the internal battery. Thanks for the contact using your KX2 in this video! Best 73 de Brian - K3ES
Just received my KX2 after waiting 16 weeks. Haven’t had a chance to go to a park yet maybe this week. I thought long and hard about buying this. I like the idea of an internal battery. Thanks Thomas for all you do for the hobby. De John AA9SK
I saw you enjoy yours so much, I ended up ordering one for myself. Took 17 weeks to get here, but the wait was worthwhile. Got it the first of March so have had some time with it now. It is a really fun radio to operate. All the controls I need are easy to access without going into the menu. Entering data into the keyer memories is just a matter of using the keyer. There are so many things this radio can do well. Thanks for introducing it to me, as well as POTA - great combination.
Thanks for your video! I just ordered mine as a "shack-in-a-box" config to save a few bucks. These are great little radios and will compliment my FT-DX10 base station perfectly. I plan to mostly do CW POTA and qrp CW at home with this one. I'm a 10m, 20m, 40m guy with a little on the off-bands between 10 to 40. Now, I get to wait...joy, joy. 73 de KQ4NNH.
I own and love the KX3, had mine for 10 years and the KX2 was not around then. The obvious contender to Electraft is the IC705, I was tempted but using one a few times I stuck with my KX3. For POTA and SOTA I think the KX2 wins by a margin. Such a shame they come at such a premium BUT amortise your purchase over the years and the pleasure it brings and maybe it’s not as expensive as you think. Great vid thanks for posting. 73 Mike
Thanks (or no thanks hihi) to you I have purchased a KX2 2 years ago and I have loved it. It's so versatile and portable it is my go to for almost any radio work I do. Even when I go out with a different radio the KX2 is always in my pack as a backup. I just received my internal charger and since I was paying shipping to Canada, I splurged on the paddles as well. It was great before but it is a whole new radio now. If anyone is on the fence, get off the fence and on the order list. You'll love it. And in the unlikely chance you don't like it there'll be 1000 people behind you who'll take it off your hands. 72!
The Kx2 is an awesome radio, we are waiting now for a Kx3 field test like this. As internal power supply, I put 2000 ma/h batteries in mine and it works well.
@@W7LDT Usually 6 hours is enough for a full charge of internal 8AA Eneloop battery pack. As a charger, you can use a normal 13 V power supply, but the optional KXBC3 (Internal NiMH Charger) must be installed on the kx3. 73
My first radio was a KX3, with the PX3 and KxPA100, they are my base station. My KX2 is my go to field radio. I bought the LNR MTR3B LCD, then thinking I wanted more bands for CW, I bought the MTR5B, but I found myself using the 3B 90% of the time between the two. But my goto radio, for everything, is the KX2. If I'm traveling, camping, hiking, or any activity where I can use my radio, it's the KX2.
Yep! you guessed it, another one that I missed. I could just about hear you in there, and of course not good enough to work. so here's to better luck next time Thanks for sharing. de Ellis WA1RKS
Really like this idea you are introducing. I appreciate your willingness to do more than just show what you prefer. I appreciate your videos and have enjoyed them for some time as well as HRWB podcasts.
The Kx2 is a really cool radio but it's almost impossible to get today so it may as not be in production as far as I'm concerned. Can't be got in Europe and importing from the USA is prohibitively expensive due to extortion taxes and no European retailer will bother selling it any more, probably because it's so difficult to get. The price is probably the main reason no European retailer wants to stock it. The Kx2 has a lot going for it, 10 watts in such a small and light radio is incredible. What would be really cool is if the Kx2 could allow sending PSK 31 and RTTY with a keyboard for those us of who unfortunately don't know CW ( yet ). but it is amazing it can send CW as PSK 31 and RTTY. It does need an update though like USB C and internal sound card. Finally they have internal charging option which was a long time over due. In the end I got the FT-818 and I am very happy with it, have a lot of fun with it and a DL1DN whip and an MFJ 1820T and an EFHW 49:1. I got the Windcamp Lithium battery and it made a big difference. I just checked the Elecraft website for the below spec KX2 80-10 M SSB/CW/DATA Transceiver KXAT2 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Antenna Tuner NEW! KXIBC2 KX2 Internal Battery Charger KXBT2 Lithium-ion Battery Pack, 11V, 2.6Ah KXBC2 External Lithium-ion Fast Charger for KXBT2 KX2GNDPLUG Quick Release Ground Plug MH3 Hand Microphone with Up/Dn Buttons ES60 Compact Padded Carrying Case (Larger) Elecraft KX2 Book by Fred Cady Elecraft Logo Hat total cost is 1600 USD, which is 1,461 Euro's + 23% VAT = 1,792 before shipping actually, VAT is calculated after import and shipping charges so the price would be more like 1900 Euro's or 2,080 USD. When you look at that price you have to say, no, just No. Even if you removed the tuner from the options it's still a mad price. What makes the Kx2 worth nearly 3 times the cost of the FT-818 ? Tuner ? ability to TX PSK31 and RTTY ? Weight, combination of the 3 ? I just don't see the value for money, great radio and all but the price is really ridiculous, in my opinion of course.
You know one thing that is missing about the kx2 on TH-cam? Tutorials. I bought a kx2 and was looking for tutorials just like, for example, n4hnh does for the 891. There are 2 videos that don’t go much into details. I could just read the entire the manual, but it’s just easier to listen to tutorials since that’s something I can do at work when I’m working on something that doesn’t require full attention. For these tutorials I mean very short videos on a very specific subject. Example: how to work split mode, How to change the filter bandwidth, how to show the battery voltage, etc… videos that you could easily load on the field when operating. Sometimes it happens to me, I look on TH-cam and don’t find it. Downloading the manual and look for it using a phone is kinda hard, so I just ask on Facebook groups. But asking on Facebook many times causes more problems than it solves hehe Since the kx2 will live some more decades,I’m sure these videos well tagged and with self descriptive titles would be very popular. 73!
I completely agree with your review of the KX2. I once HAD one. I loved it but thought I needed 160 and 6 meters as well as 2 M OR 70 cm capability. So I sold it and moved up to the KX3 with all the bells and whistles including the 2 meter option. FYI, its not just a 2 meter option. You can pick 2M OR 70CM, but not both. I opted for 2. I used VHF one time to check into a net. It was perfect. I haven’t used 6 or 160 at all! I wish I had stayed with the KX2. The KX3 feels like its twice the size and weight of the KX2. I know its not but that is my perception. Love your perspectives.
For the price… IC- 705 is a better buy. The KH1 has me salivating! Trying not to buy it… I don’t know…. Really getting hard to resist… I’m glad there not in stock 😅
I started my ham journey with an FT-817 making several QSO’s good and bad antennas. I worked mostly SSB and started working more CW and using it mobile the noise was a problem. So I added the BHI filter to the radio. Now out of a vehicle and in no urban environment, it was much better. The noise was wearing to listen to. I got a KX2 because when I traveled the FT817 was too big to take on planes and had limited antennas. I cannot be more happy with my KX2, I can jump on a plane and take it with me anywhere. The setup was easy and with the AX1 I can use it without drawing any attention. I agree it might not be perfect for everyone but it is for me.
So I have an Icom 705 and a KX2 with ATU. I love them both, but I find myself using my KX2 in the field. Its everything u say it is, small, ATU, battery at 10 watts. I use it in hotels because the AX1 antenna is so tiny and though its comprimised it works. Its just awesome and there is nothing out there that compares. If I had one complaint is the size of the hand mic, its just way out of proportion to the radio. I am aware you can make one smaller and there is an internal mic, which is great. This radio is expensive and u will wait a long time to get one from Elecraft.
I ordered a KX2 back in april or may this year and it was ready to ship in september. The base unit was about $1k. I added the battery, mic, internal and external chargers, and the BNC twin lead adaptors for another $300.
It is currently in the mail because I was not able to pay for it right away. When they run your card during your order they don’t charge your card for the radio until it is built. I did not realize that and ended up spending the money. I honestly hate that type of structure for payment. When I make a purchase like this I do so when I have the money to pay for it. I don’t want to have to hold onto the money for months on end until it gets shipped. That is one big reason. I don’t shop on Amazon very often. They do the same thing. Other than that I have had zero issues with my experience with Elecraft. They communicate very well.
I got impatient waiting for my order and found a used KX2 that should be arriving today. Good timing on the video! I'm excited for my KX2 to go with my KX3. I sold my IC-705 to buy the KX2. I'm going to miss the 705, it's a great radio, just misses the mark for me without an internal ATU and it feels a little fragile in the field. I usually start on SSB, go to CW when I have a hard time on SSB, and I eventually would go to FT4. So I have a DigiRig Mobile coming as well. I'll miss the option of just swapping from KX3 for SSB/CW to the 705, but I'll just swap between KX2 and KX3. KX3 may become my digital mode rig. Edited to say: I got my ebay KX2. I severely underestimated how much smaller the KX2 is than the KX3! It's barely bigger than my ID-52
There is a battery tray option for the KX-3. It holds 8 AA NiMH, and includes a real time clock. You can't run much power on that, the internal charging is slow, and NiMH is not a great battery technology. I keep thinking that I should figure out how to modify it for LiFePO4 cells, but I'm old, and these projects seldom get done.
Yes, I have that in my KX3. It's really only effective when using the one-use advanced lithium cells. I find that rechargeable AAs simply don't have the capacity to keep the KX3 on the air transmitting for long. Replacing them isn't easy because the tray holds the cells so tightly.
Great informative video. I love both my KX2 and KX3. I have no plans on getting rid of either. What I'd like to see is a KX3-B. Address the battery issue. What they have us use now is only good enough to keep the internal clock running and a few short Q's. I wish they would have used a LiFePH4 internal battery with the ability to charge the battery without removing it. That's really my only complain I have with the KX3. Lately I've been sticking with my KX2. It's just so tiny and to me, size matters. The smaller the better. Barry, KU3X
I don't think that needs a new model KX3 at all. Just a replacement for the battery holder (either a pouch cell for the best capacity, or a new holder for 14430 or 14500 cylindricals) and a replacement board for the KXBC3.
The KX3 does actually have an optional battery pack. Sadly it is only a 8x NiMH AA with a charge option and it drives me nuts Elecraft never came up with another internal option
I very much love my KX2. If I am doing SOTA or bicycle mobile it's my radio of choice. My only real complaint about it is the thumb screws. For some reason mine always come loose no matter how tight I try to tighten them. The only time they don't is if I use my multi tool to tighten them but then it becomes too tight when I need to charge the battery or attach a counterpoise. For me, my favorite radio is the ICOM IC-705. I usually use resonant antennas so I don't need the ATU very often and I like the UI and spectrum display for making sure I am not interfering with other stations. My top 3 favorite QRP radios are the IC-705, KX2 and FT-818nd. I try to alternate between my radios (I have more than those three) so that I can justify keeping them around.
@@terryboyle that might make it a lot more difficult to unscrew. I could probably avoid this problem if I got the battery charger module but I don't like the fact that it requires 14V to charge
Interesting because I've never had an issue with my screws and I've open/closed my hundreds of times. Wonder why yours would have issues...hmmm... Anyway, you're right: the IC-705 is also a gem. It's the next radio in this series.
@@ThomasK4SWL I got my radio from another ham who wanted to sell it. This video actually prompted me to purchase the internal battery charger module so that I don't have a reason to open the radio as often, so I can use a tool to tighten it enough to stay shut. As for why mine has that issue and yours doesn't, it might be the sideKX panels that were installed on mine. Might make it more slippery.
@@JonathanKayne I bet you're right, Jonathan. I don't have those side panels, but I've come so close to getting them int he past. Without the panels, the screws fit tightly. You'll like the charger--it's not a rapid charger, but it's very convenient!
I needed to stop your video at time 3:40 to leave this comment. I'm not a good writer so if I waited to the end I would loose my train of thought. I understand now why I like your video's. You mentioned your gear reviews come from the perspective of the different types of users making the videos to long. Maybe it's because I'm an old retired guy but I have patience to listen. Not only that but when someone starts there video acting like a clown, talking fast , then says "Let's get started" I click that video off. Sorry, I digress. Great video, keep up the good work.
Picked up a used KX2 recently. Not cheap, but then quality isn't. Also have an IC-705, but the Elecraft is my default go-to for POTA mainly due to size and the internal ATU.
If they added an internal sound interface so you wouldn't have to bring a fiddly bunch of cables and a digirig if you wanted to try anything digital, it would be even more perfect than it already is.
Good video, nice format. One correction, at 22:59 you say the KX-3 does not have an internal battery pack, but it actually has an optional internal pack that uses 8 commonly available batteries, either off the shelf, commonly available AA size non-rechargeable cells (standard, alkaline--not recommended for long term use due to their tendency to leak--or lithium) or rechargeable NiMh cells such as eneloop or tenergy NiMh. The rechargeable cells can be recharged without removing them from the radio. The reason Elecraft chose NOT to use lithium cells in the KX3 was most likely that lithium technology was in serious question during that phase of the KX3 design. Remember the problems Boeing had with lithium battery fires during 787 testing??? They were a disaster at first. I would now buy "lithium" kit to convert my KX3 to lithium if they ever offer it. It would, however, most likely require significant changes to the charger that would be difficult to implement on the radio. BTW, I use a KX3 in my home shack, and was about to buy a KX2 for trail use when covid hit and they closed all back country trails, state and local parks, and all structures like the ones in this video here in California. This video convinced me that I need to put my order in to get in line for shipment now that they can be back-ordered. Mark, KE6BB
Great comment. Yes, I was talking about a rechargeable Li-Ion pack option like the KX2 has--I should have been more clear. My KX3 has the AA battery holders inside, but I find it a bit difficult to remove and replace those cells for charging--the fit in the holder is so tight. That and AA rechargeable cells simply don't last very long when the KX3 is used in TX for doing something like an activation. To be clear: Are you saying that NiMH AA cells can be recharged inside of the KX3 without removing them? If so, this is news to me. I would love to know more. Cheers, Thomas
Hey, Thomas! You do the best, and I've said this before, concise, made-simple explanations for ham radio, field adventures. I have only ever heard one thing that I did not quite understand. I am an Elecraft fan, and own the KX3; there are batteries in mine. They are not as advanced (nimh) as the KX2, but that option was available along with the 2 meter option when I bought mine. At 23:07 you state the KX3 does not have an internal battery pack. Is that something new? Is the battery option no longer available with the KX3? At any rate, your cw and field videos are the very best! 73 de K0WHW @Bill-HRT
Thank you for the kind comment! I probably should have been more clear: what I meant was that there’s no Li-Ion battery pack option like the KX2 has. They still have AA holders inside, but no factory rechargeable battery pack option. That said, I know people have made their own internal battery packs! Great comment!
I activated well over 80 parks during NPOTA in 2016 using SSB with the KX2 at 5-10 watts. Never had a failed activation and that was in the doldrums of the solar cycle.
We? Is this a review or your life story? If I ask you the time, would you tell me how to build a clock? What is the difference between overcast and very overcast?
I’ve been waiting for mine for a few months. It should ship to me in the next week or two! Thanks for introducing me to the KX2. You’re a true pro. It’s rare to find someone in ham radio with excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. Thanks for sharing your talents with the TH-cam community. Nate - NDK
Thank you so much, Nate.
I'm pretty sure your channel is single handedly why I've had to wait 3 months for my kx2 😂
Thanks for all of the great videos and information. Your channel inspired me to start learning CW. 😊
Ha ha!
I promise: worth the wait.
I b😅ught my KX2 years ago. It's my favorite, period. The learning curve is steep... the radio, being a SDR, performs flawlessly. Once you set it up, don't mess with it. Write down your settings... Read the Cady book & manual.
Given the size of the field kit, it's small... ideally, a Packtenna EFRW, 20' RG316, RF Choke, Rails, Spare battery and your favorite key. Add in a Throwline, and bingo. It is a small kit. The ATU is amazing.
If I could suggest any upgrades to the radio, I'd add additional keyer memories (10) and a USB port (digital interface), and maybe Bluetooth.
I'd buy it again, without hesitation. I'd buy two, but I highly doubt I'd need a spare. I am a very happy KX2 owner.
72 de W7UDT
The KX2 has become my go-to QRP rig for field operations. It is quick to set up, has an awesome tuner, and happens to live in the smallest of my field kits.
I bought it as a second QRP option in case I ever had a problem with my TX-500, particularly after the world situation made commerce with Russia difficult. Once I got the KX2 on the air, two great features became obvious: minimal ancillary equipment and rapid band changes with the tuner. I also love the filters, the quick keyer speed adjustment, and the internal battery.
Thanks for the contact using your KX2 in this video!
Best 73 de Brian - K3ES
Just received my KX2 after waiting 16 weeks. Haven’t had a chance to go to a park yet maybe this week. I thought long and hard about buying this. I like the idea of an internal battery. Thanks Thomas for all you do for the hobby. De John AA9SK
Don't ever let go of that KX2! :) Enjoy!
I saw you enjoy yours so much, I ended up ordering one for myself. Took 17 weeks to get here, but the wait was worthwhile. Got it the first of March so have had some time with it now. It is a really fun radio to operate. All the controls I need are easy to access without going into the menu. Entering data into the keyer memories is just a matter of using the keyer. There are so many things this radio can do well. Thanks for introducing it to me, as well as POTA - great combination.
Thanks for your video! I just ordered mine as a "shack-in-a-box" config to save a few bucks. These are great little radios and will compliment my FT-DX10 base station perfectly. I plan to mostly do CW POTA and qrp CW at home with this one. I'm a 10m, 20m, 40m guy with a little on the off-bands between 10 to 40. Now, I get to wait...joy, joy. 73 de KQ4NNH.
You are in for a treat. The KX2 is the bee's knees!
Love the series idea and it's off to a strong start. The KX2 is really an excellent radio!
I own and love the KX3, had mine for 10 years and the KX2 was not around then. The obvious contender to Electraft is the IC705, I was tempted but using one a few times I stuck with my KX3. For POTA and SOTA I think the KX2 wins by a margin. Such a shame they come at such a premium BUT amortise your purchase over the years and the pleasure it brings and maybe it’s not as expensive as you think. Great vid thanks for posting. 73 Mike
Thank you for this one Thomas. I really like this video format and hope to see more of these.
Just got a KX2...thanks for this video....and congratulations on being entered into the QRP-ARCI QRP Hall of Fame!
Thank you!
As always Thomas fantastic video. I like the getting to know you.
73 😊
Thanks (or no thanks hihi) to you I have purchased a KX2 2 years ago and I have loved it. It's so versatile and portable it is my go to for almost any radio work I do. Even when I go out with a different radio the KX2 is always in my pack as a backup. I just received my internal charger and since I was paying shipping to Canada, I splurged on the paddles as well. It was great before but it is a whole new radio now. If anyone is on the fence, get off the fence and on the order list. You'll love it. And in the unlikely chance you don't like it there'll be 1000 people behind you who'll take it off your hands. 72!
Great video, I really like the getting to know you concept. I have been looking at field radios, and this has convinced me to order a KX2. Thank you!
The Kx2 is an awesome radio, we are waiting now for a Kx3 field test like this. As internal power supply, I put 2000 ma/h batteries in mine and it works well.
How long to those bigger batteries take to charge and what charger do you use? Thanks
@@W7LDT Usually 6 hours is enough for a full charge of internal 8AA Eneloop battery pack. As a charger, you can use a normal 13 V power supply, but the optional KXBC3 (Internal NiMH Charger) must be installed on the kx3. 73
Ordered a KX2 back in April, but have since found a good used porta radio I was really wanting…the KX3. Perfect size to me. 👌
My first radio was a KX3, with the PX3 and KxPA100, they are my base station. My KX2 is my go to field radio. I bought the LNR MTR3B LCD, then thinking I wanted more bands for CW, I bought the MTR5B, but I found myself using the 3B 90% of the time between the two. But my goto radio, for everything, is the KX2. If I'm traveling, camping, hiking, or any activity where I can use my radio, it's the KX2.
Yep! you guessed it, another one that I missed. I could just about hear you in there, and of course not good enough to work. so here's to better luck next time Thanks for sharing. de Ellis WA1RKS
There's still a lot of 2023 left. I'm sure I'll get you int he logs, OM!
Really like this idea you are introducing. I appreciate your willingness to do more than just show what you prefer. I appreciate your videos and have enjoyed them for some time as well as HRWB podcasts.
Thank you so much!
The Kx2 is a really cool radio but it's almost impossible to get today so it may as not be in production as far as I'm concerned. Can't be got in Europe and importing from the USA is prohibitively expensive due to extortion taxes and no European retailer will bother selling it any more, probably because it's so difficult to get. The price is probably the main reason no European retailer wants to stock it.
The Kx2 has a lot going for it, 10 watts in such a small and light radio is incredible.
What would be really cool is if the Kx2 could allow sending PSK 31 and RTTY with a keyboard for those us of who unfortunately don't know CW ( yet ). but it is amazing it can send CW as PSK 31 and RTTY.
It does need an update though like USB C and internal sound card.
Finally they have internal charging option which was a long time over due.
In the end I got the FT-818 and I am very happy with it, have a lot of fun with it and a DL1DN whip and an MFJ 1820T and an EFHW 49:1. I got the Windcamp Lithium battery and it made a big difference.
I just checked the Elecraft website for the below spec
KX2 80-10 M SSB/CW/DATA Transceiver
KXAT2 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Antenna Tuner
NEW! KXIBC2 KX2 Internal Battery Charger
KXBT2 Lithium-ion Battery Pack, 11V, 2.6Ah
KXBC2 External Lithium-ion Fast Charger for KXBT2
KX2GNDPLUG Quick Release Ground Plug
MH3 Hand Microphone with Up/Dn Buttons
ES60 Compact Padded Carrying Case (Larger)
Elecraft KX2 Book by Fred Cady
Elecraft Logo Hat
total cost is 1600 USD, which is 1,461 Euro's + 23% VAT = 1,792 before shipping actually, VAT is calculated after import and shipping charges so the price would be more like 1900 Euro's or 2,080 USD.
When you look at that price you have to say, no, just No. Even if you removed the tuner from the options it's still a mad price.
What makes the Kx2 worth nearly 3 times the cost of the FT-818 ? Tuner ? ability to TX PSK31 and RTTY ? Weight, combination of the 3 ? I just don't see the value for money, great radio and all but the price is really ridiculous, in my opinion of course.
You know one thing that is missing about the kx2 on TH-cam? Tutorials. I bought a kx2 and was looking for tutorials just like, for example, n4hnh does for the 891. There are 2 videos that don’t go much into details. I could just read the entire the manual, but it’s just easier to listen to tutorials since that’s something I can do at work when I’m working on something that doesn’t require full attention.
For these tutorials I mean very short videos on a very specific subject. Example: how to work split mode, How to change the filter bandwidth, how to show the battery voltage, etc… videos that you could easily load on the field when operating.
Sometimes it happens to me, I look on TH-cam and don’t find it. Downloading the manual and look for it using a phone is kinda hard, so I just ask on Facebook groups. But asking on Facebook many times causes more problems than it solves hehe
Since the kx2 will live some more decades,I’m sure these videos well tagged and with self descriptive titles would be very popular.
73!
Hmmmm...that's good food for thought.
...ahem...My name is David... and I too am addicted to radios...(from the room)..."Welcome David"..
Ha ha ha!!! Welcome David! :)
As an older guy of 53 I prefer long form videos of an informative nature. TH-cam can suck it! Glad your mom is ok.
Exceptional, Thomas. Love the hands-on overview. Keep them coming! Chris, 2E0FRU
How did I miss this series (getting to know you series)? BTW, getting my KX2 back from repair in a few days.
I completely agree with your review of the KX2. I once HAD one. I loved it but thought I needed 160 and 6 meters as well as 2 M OR 70 cm capability. So I sold it and moved up to the KX3 with all the bells and whistles including the 2 meter option. FYI, its not just a 2 meter option. You can pick 2M OR 70CM, but not both. I opted for 2. I used VHF one time to check into a net. It was perfect. I haven’t used 6 or 160 at all! I wish I had stayed with the KX2. The KX3 feels like its twice the size and weight of the KX2. I know its not but that is my perception. Love your perspectives.
The KX3 is an excellent radio.
For the price… IC-
705 is a better buy. The KH1 has me salivating! Trying not to buy it… I don’t know…. Really getting hard to resist… I’m glad there not in stock 😅
I started my ham journey with an FT-817 making several QSO’s good and bad antennas. I worked mostly SSB and started working more CW and using it mobile the noise was a problem. So I added the BHI filter to the radio. Now out of a vehicle and in no urban environment, it was much better. The noise was wearing to listen to. I got a KX2 because when I traveled the FT817 was too big to take on planes and had limited antennas. I cannot be more happy with my KX2, I can jump on a plane and take it with me anywhere. The setup was easy and with the AX1 I can use it without drawing any attention. I agree it might not be perfect for everyone but it is for me.
So I have an Icom 705 and a KX2 with ATU. I love them both, but I find myself using my KX2 in the field. Its everything u say it is, small, ATU, battery at 10 watts. I use it in hotels because the AX1 antenna is so tiny and though its comprimised it works. Its just awesome and there is nothing out there that compares. If I had one complaint is the size of the hand mic, its just way out of proportion to the radio. I am aware you can make one smaller and there is an internal mic, which is great. This radio is expensive and u will wait a long time to get one from Elecraft.
I ordered a KX2 back in april or may this year and it was ready to ship in september. The base unit was about $1k. I added the battery, mic, internal and external chargers, and the BNC twin lead adaptors for another $300.
It is currently in the mail because I was not able to pay for it right away. When they run your card during your order they don’t charge your card for the radio until it is built. I did not realize that and ended up spending the money. I honestly hate that type of structure for payment. When I make a purchase like this I do so when I have the money to pay for it. I don’t want to have to hold onto the money for months on end until it gets shipped. That is one big reason. I don’t shop on Amazon very often. They do the same thing. Other than that I have had zero issues with my experience with Elecraft. They communicate very well.
I love mine. It stays packed in the car for planned and impromptu POTA activations. Add a 9:1 random wire or an end-fed half wave and away you go.
I got impatient waiting for my order and found a used KX2 that should be arriving today. Good timing on the video! I'm excited for my KX2 to go with my KX3. I sold my IC-705 to buy the KX2. I'm going to miss the 705, it's a great radio, just misses the mark for me without an internal ATU and it feels a little fragile in the field. I usually start on SSB, go to CW when I have a hard time on SSB, and I eventually would go to FT4. So I have a DigiRig Mobile coming as well. I'll miss the option of just swapping from KX3 for SSB/CW to the 705, but I'll just swap between KX2 and KX3. KX3 may become my digital mode rig.
Edited to say: I got my ebay KX2. I severely underestimated how much smaller the KX2 is than the KX3! It's barely bigger than my ID-52
There is a battery tray option for the KX-3. It holds 8 AA NiMH, and includes a real time clock. You can't run much power on that, the internal charging is slow, and NiMH is not a great battery technology. I keep thinking that I should figure out how to modify it for LiFePO4 cells, but I'm old, and these projects seldom get done.
Yes, I have that in my KX3. It's really only effective when using the one-use advanced lithium cells. I find that rechargeable AAs simply don't have the capacity to keep the KX3 on the air transmitting for long. Replacing them isn't easy because the tray holds the cells so tightly.
Great informative video. I love both my KX2 and KX3. I have no plans on getting rid of either. What I'd like to see is a KX3-B. Address the battery issue. What they have us use now is only good enough to keep the internal clock running and a few short Q's. I wish they would have used a LiFePH4 internal battery with the ability to charge the battery without removing it. That's really my only complain I have with the KX3.
Lately I've been sticking with my KX2. It's just so tiny and to me, size matters. The smaller the better.
Barry, KU3X
I don't think that needs a new model KX3 at all. Just a replacement for the battery holder (either a pouch cell for the best capacity, or a new holder for 14430 or 14500 cylindricals) and a replacement board for the KXBC3.
The KX3 does actually have an optional battery pack. Sadly it is only a 8x NiMH AA with a charge option and it drives me nuts Elecraft never came up with another internal option
I very much love my KX2. If I am doing SOTA or bicycle mobile it's my radio of choice. My only real complaint about it is the thumb screws. For some reason mine always come loose no matter how tight I try to tighten them. The only time they don't is if I use my multi tool to tighten them but then it becomes too tight when I need to charge the battery or attach a counterpoise.
For me, my favorite radio is the ICOM IC-705. I usually use resonant antennas so I don't need the ATU very often and I like the UI and spectrum display for making sure I am not interfering with other stations. My top 3 favorite QRP radios are the IC-705, KX2 and FT-818nd. I try to alternate between my radios (I have more than those three) so that I can justify keeping them around.
maybe some blue loctite on the screws
@@terryboyle that might make it a lot more difficult to unscrew. I could probably avoid this problem if I got the battery charger module but I don't like the fact that it requires 14V to charge
Interesting because I've never had an issue with my screws and I've open/closed my hundreds of times. Wonder why yours would have issues...hmmm...
Anyway, you're right: the IC-705 is also a gem. It's the next radio in this series.
@@ThomasK4SWL I got my radio from another ham who wanted to sell it.
This video actually prompted me to purchase the internal battery charger module so that I don't have a reason to open the radio as often, so I can use a tool to tighten it enough to stay shut.
As for why mine has that issue and yours doesn't, it might be the sideKX panels that were installed on mine. Might make it more slippery.
@@JonathanKayne I bet you're right, Jonathan. I don't have those side panels, but I've come so close to getting them int he past. Without the panels, the screws fit tightly. You'll like the charger--it's not a rapid charger, but it's very convenient!
I'm still interested in the KX2, it will be awhile before I get one as I have to sell off some rigs first.
Your videos are very informative. I have a KX2 coming in 20 days. Was curious why you didn't install the protective side rails from Gemsproducts.
You're going to love the KX2! Actually, I do have side rails on it now.
@ThomasK4SWL thanks! Can't wait to hoof it up a 400' hill by my house in the Texas hill country.
I was the last one in.😀👍
Awesome as always my friend!
73 de N1XV
TU!
👍👍👍 from Poland
I needed to stop your video at time 3:40 to leave this comment. I'm not a good writer so if I waited to the end I would loose my train of thought.
I understand now why I like your video's. You mentioned your gear
reviews come from the perspective of the different types of users making the videos to long.
Maybe it's because I'm an old retired guy but I have patience to listen.
Not only that but when someone starts there video acting like a clown, talking fast , then says "Let's get started" I click that video off.
Sorry, I digress.
Great video, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Steve. :)
Picked up a used KX2 recently. Not cheap, but then quality isn't. Also have an IC-705, but the Elecraft is my default go-to for POTA mainly due to size and the internal ATU.
If they added an internal sound interface so you wouldn't have to bring a fiddly bunch of cables and a digirig if you wanted to try anything digital, it would be even more perfect than it already is.
Good video, nice format. One correction, at 22:59 you say the KX-3 does not have an internal battery pack, but it actually has an optional internal pack that uses 8 commonly available batteries, either off the shelf, commonly available AA size non-rechargeable cells (standard, alkaline--not recommended for long term use due to their tendency to leak--or lithium) or rechargeable NiMh cells such as eneloop or tenergy NiMh. The rechargeable cells can be recharged without removing them from the radio. The reason Elecraft chose NOT to use lithium cells in the KX3 was most likely that lithium technology was in serious question during that phase of the KX3 design. Remember the problems Boeing had with lithium battery fires during 787 testing??? They were a disaster at first. I would now buy "lithium" kit to convert my KX3 to lithium if they ever offer it. It would, however, most likely require significant changes to the charger that would be difficult to implement on the radio. BTW, I use a KX3 in my home shack, and was about to buy a KX2 for trail use when covid hit and they closed all back country trails, state and local parks, and all structures like the ones in this video here in California. This video convinced me that I need to put my order in to get in line for shipment now that they can be back-ordered. Mark, KE6BB
Great comment. Yes, I was talking about a rechargeable Li-Ion pack option like the KX2 has--I should have been more clear. My KX3 has the AA battery holders inside, but I find it a bit difficult to remove and replace those cells for charging--the fit in the holder is so tight. That and AA rechargeable cells simply don't last very long when the KX3 is used in TX for doing something like an activation.
To be clear: Are you saying that NiMH AA cells can be recharged inside of the KX3 without removing them? If so, this is news to me. I would love to know more.
Cheers, Thomas
Hey, Thomas! You do the best, and I've said this before, concise, made-simple explanations for ham radio, field adventures. I have only ever heard one thing that I did not quite understand. I am an Elecraft fan, and own the KX3; there are batteries in mine. They are not as advanced (nimh) as the KX2, but that option was available along with the 2 meter option when I bought mine. At 23:07 you state the KX3 does not have an internal battery pack. Is that something new? Is the battery option no longer available with the KX3? At any rate, your cw and field videos are the very best! 73 de K0WHW @Bill-HRT
Thank you for the kind comment! I probably should have been more clear: what I meant was that there’s no Li-Ion battery pack option like the KX2 has. They still have AA holders inside, but no factory rechargeable battery pack option. That said, I know people have made their own internal battery packs! Great comment!
TNX for the contact at 53:00 - 20 watt peanut whistle from VA wb3gbl
Peanut whistles make the best signals!
Agree that the KX2 is a great radio for CW. But do you think that SSB is marginal without a bit more output power?
I activated well over 80 parks during NPOTA in 2016 using SSB with the KX2 at 5-10 watts. Never had a failed activation and that was in the doldrums of the solar cycle.
@@ThomasK4SWL That is impressive !
We? Is this a review or your life story? If I ask you the time, would you tell me how to build a clock?
What is the difference between overcast and very overcast?
what is the part # or link to your battery pack?
It's linked in my field report. Here you go: elecraft.com/products/kxbt2-lithium-ion-battery-pack-11v-2-6ah
do you think that Elecraft will ever come out with a KX4?
In due time, I'm sure. At present, I think they're struggling just to keep up with models that are already in production.
I’ve told my trustee to bury me with my kx2. 😂
😆 Same here. I told my wife (who will no doubt outlive me), "Put it in the coffin!"
'Promo sm'