SOTA Protection for a KX2. There is no question that a Pelican case is the ultimate in terms of protection for a KX2; however, it's overkill, too heavy, too bulky, terrible to put in a backpack. IMHO, if you purchase the KX2 kit case it fits perfectly in a small dry bag. The combination of the padding of the kit case and the water proofing from the dry bag and your ready for most anything other than a drive over.
I carry mine in a surplus East German messenger bag, which has a internal waterproof coating. I've been leaving the KX2 at home and taking the KX3 due to the 6 meter openings. Lee, WA8QFE
Australia is much the same: import charges are a rip off. By the time you add the exorbitant shipping costs, GST, the exchange rate, and then the import fees, you are almost twice the price than to buy it in the USA.
Great review ! The receiver on those is incredible. I would be apprehensive of using it in the rain too. DX only operators are a drag IMHO. Thanks for sharing !
Nice, I have one of these in order, I spoke to Elecraft on the phone and she said the radios are made at their facilities, so yes they are made in the USA. 73 de KI5JCO
i perfectly understand your wish for social exchange ... same for me ... only with that aspect the hobby is meaningful for me. Cheers from Zuerich, HB9GSS
I have a KX3, the 2’s weren’t out when I bought mine, like you I don’t use 160 or 6 when out and about so I would probably go for the KX2 now. No regrets, I get so much fun out of mine. Back Yards On The Air (BYOTA) during lockdown. Use a separate battery pack for fear of leakage when not in use. Had a FT817 previous, performance not in the same class as the Elecraft but built so solidly. Luv it, thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Yep, no comparison between KX3 and FT817. I'm spoiled by the quiet RX of my KX3, so much so I don't use my other Yaesus or Kenwoods. Now that I'm getting a KXPA100, I can sell all my other rigs. Keep your KX3. Its RX is better than the KX2.
one of the best videos on the subject. Terrible import charge. and I think for the money they charge elecraft should do some major improvements on their case. Starting with the thin plastic display cover. People say it warps and leaks mosture around it as well. They could use much better quality knobs and the main tuning Knob with a little weight added for feel would help. I like the radio but I think it is well over priced.
Thanks Gil. actually I'm very happy you made this video. I've never held the kx2 in my because you know I'd like to have one. I always assumed it was as well built as the 817. after watching your video perhaps I understand it's not the right radio for the environment I'm operating in. there is a guy from Denmark I believe who has a project for mounting the kx2 inside of little bit smaller Pelican case. I don't know man giving up VHF, and not being rugged, it might not be the right radio. only complaint to have on the 817 is the Legacy batteries and the forward facing display. have a good one Gil.
+OH8STN Hi Julian. Indeed, in your environment it would need extra protection, like mounting it inside a case and connecting a speaker-microphone. Maybe a clear case to see the screen, which by the way is awesome. It is well built but not so weatherproof... You can make your own 18650 threepack... An 817 I would not hesitate to take in the elements. The KX2, too much money to lose... But it is a great radio!
***** I was thinking exactly the same thing Tony. It's a tiny easy to carry radio which requires a Pelican case that's larger than the 817. This might be a deal-breaker. It's how you something guys if Yaesu you would make a qrp rig with upward facing display, I would buy it in a heartbeat
+OH8STN The only thing Yaesu has to do is revise the 817nd, add DSP and lower the current draw below 200mA. I would sell my KX2 for one of those. For now the Elecraft receiver performance takes the cake. Maybe I should keep my eyes open for a good used 817, but I'm not selling my KX2.
I've owned both the KX3 and 817ND, sold both. The 817 far more rugged. I operate portable ocean side and was constantly worried about the salt spray getting into the KX3. If the 817 had a larger display, there would be no contest between the two rigs. Never had overheating with the 817 even when running full 5 watts on PSK31, but normally ran PSK at 2.5 watt level. Never owned a KX2 and doubt I will due to the fragility of it. Maybe an LNR rig next time, hi 73.
The Kx2 is a great radio. I want one, but they are pricey. I was thinking of just buying the Yaesu FT-891....it's a 100 watt radio. It has a higher operating power drain but its 635 USD. covers 160-6m. and in the solar minimum it will be able to reach out a bit better. People buy the KX2 and then add an amp... the 891 has the filters built in and has DSP. Buy a case for it. Buy a bigger battery and a 30w solar panel for it and be better off. You bring up a great point with the physical architecture of the Elecraft Radios. Weatherproofing, or lack of..
I started out with a QRP radio for my first HF rig and it was a mistake. I’ve replaced it with an 891 and I’ll revisit QRP in the future once I get a little more experience.
I own both the FT817ND and the Elecraft KX2. Both were bought for /P use. Looking back, buying the KX2 was a big mistake. IMO it is totally unsuited to outdoor operation. It has more holes in it than a Swiss cheese. The FT817ND is not perfect either as an outdoor radio, but it has far fewer holes for water to get in. While the KX2 has a better receiver than the FT817, the 817 does the job and the addition of the cheap external matching Yaesu soft case allows me to use the 817 in situations I wouldn't dare to try using the KX2 in. True the KX2 has a decent receiver with excellent digital filtering, but I live in Scotland where we get quite a lot of rain, so the KX2 has only ever been taken outdoors a couple of times since I bought it. I also have a PELICASE that holds my complete KX2 station... radio, battery pack, wires, coax, and so on, but to be honest, I use the KX2 as a backup radio at home and the FT817 sees all the outdoor action. The 817 can be retrofitted with a Collins filter for SSB or CW. Not as flexible as the KX2, but it does the job and I don't worry much about using it outdoors.
I realize this video is over 2 years old, and the quality, and functionality of the KX2 absolutely cannot be denied. However, when you look at the Xiegu X5105, and especially considering the price, things aren't quite so clear, at least for me. I just received my Xiegu G90 yesterday, and I'm very impressed. The radio was $439.99, with free shipping, and I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. I was just about ready to buy a KX2, but honestly, that purchase will probably be an X5105 now. I'm still not saying the X5105 is every bit the radio the KX2 is, but it will fit my needs very well. Thanks for the video. I'm a new subscriber.
I agree Gil. I love my kx3 but it’s very pricey for what is essentially a qrp radio. A little more waterproofing as you say also would be nice. I tend to hook it to my kpa500 and it’s a small foot print shack rig...
I got rid of my KX3 as well. I had images of myself in the woods with only a survival knife and my radio and that never happened. lol. I think I'm going to buy a KX2. Any recommendations for add ons for a CW Op? seems the radio is good to go for a simple CW POTA activation. BTW I really like your demeanor in this video. I can tell you think before you speak and give info based on facts not feelings. Very Good. 72 -KB6Q
Nice Review. Sorry about your sailboat. What antenna did you use for ham radio on board? I'm a liveaboard on 40ft sailboat but find the backstay antenna to be not so good. Ship radio is a 150w furuno ft1502 with tuner so heaps of power compared to my icom 703.
+Joel Caulkins Hi Joel. Mine did overheat once, but not to the point of reducing power. I think that if your SWR is good it won't overheat. I had a bit of an SWR when it happened. If I notice it again I will note all parameters and report on it. I recently tried digital modes with 100% duty cycle using 5W and it remained cool.
@@RadioPrepper I seen TH-cam videos on adding a heat dissipation side panel. Are those effective? Great video. Keep them coming. I’m serious about getting a kx2 ONLY after I passed my general and extra exams
Great review. I have been thinking about QRP / Survival Radio since I started watching your videos. I think I will look at reviews over the Yaesu FT-817 , so far its the most rugged and costs at least 1/3 less than a basic Elecraft here in the USA. Elecraft is a little too much $$$ , for survival and prepping. I just want to be able to make contacts from my cabin out in the woods during the winter. I used an old Yaesu 100 watt tuned down to 20 watts and it worked fine until my old SLA battery went dead.
Nice quick review. Sorry you had to get rid of your KX3. I love my KX3. It's my base station rig and has the best RX for the money. Since solar activity has been so poor, I have a KXPA100 on order. The KX2 RX is not quite up to the level of the KX3, but overall the KX2 is a sweet full-featured /P QRP rig. You might miss 6M /P, but probably not 160M, HI. You will pay a bit more for an Elecraft, but you really do get what you pay for. Mic? Who needs a mic! 72/73 de N6MGN
Hi Gil, I just bought an elecraft kx2, I have noticed that your equipment shows your call sign when turning on the equipment, I do not see it in the manual, is it done in any special way? Thank you
Gil...Great video on the KX2...Nice radio but too high priced for me...I had two Yaesu FT-817nd...Nice for QRP...Now YAESU has a new QRP radio coming out...The FT-818...The big brother for the FT-817nd...The price on the FT-818 is around $850 and is due out in March 2018...Check it out...73 W5APL
Gil...Not many changes on the FT-818...It's now up to 6 Watts...TXCO filter is built in...Higher battery load...That all I can see...I wish the KX2 was under a $1,000...but here in the US the price is around $1,250...All being said the KX2 is a GREAT radio73 for now W5APL
Nice, honest review, especially from the prepping perspective. A friend of mine has the KX3 and it is indeed a work of art, but the price.....wow. I'm using a Yaesu ft-857D and an Icom Ic-703 (on loan from my employer). Not sure which radio I'll end up buying....so many choices. I do know that I want something that can be portable. By the way, that microphone-did you modify the connection yourself, or purchase it that way?
Gil...I'm buying a KX2 this month... the $769 unit is the one I want...is a better to get the internal antenna tuner or use the small one that you use ? what about the internal battery pack ? thanks for your help.....Albert W5APL
I built my K2 in 1999 and the receiver on cw with the add-on audio filter was amazing! The SSB board was a waste of $$, terrible tx audio and I even bought a replacement re-design to improve tx audio was still crap!! The Elecraft boys not good at ssb engineering.
Can you compare and contrast the KX2 vs KX3. Specifically, I have a KX3 and wonder is there any reason for me to get a KX2 or would that just be a waste of money.
If you already have a KX3, no, you do not need a KX2, really. The KX2 is a KX3 without 6m and 160m. It is smaller but not that much. If you know Morse, look at the Weber MTR4b from LNR Precision... if Not, look at the 2m module for the KX3...
I built a K2 in 2000, took a month.....IMO great CW rig, sucks on phone. Also, my k2 had issues with BFO stability and yes I did the circuit upgrades recommended by Elecraft. Now, I run a IC-7300 for QTH and KX3 for portable use. KX2/KX3 much better radio, IMO .... 73/k6sdw
@@RadioPrepper Close ham friends would complain about my "restricted sounding audio...I even went so far as to buy new SSB board with later design to deal with SSB audio and it wasn't much better. I would have kept the K2 but the BFO to filter drift bugged me. Again, I did the mods as suggested by Elecraft and it didn't really help. 73 ~ thanks for the response.
Belle machine, j'aimerais bien l'avoir, mais hors budget pour l'instant. Il faut que je me remette au morse, j'était très bon à l'armée et prenais très vite. Ça devrait revenir vite je pense. En attendant je cherche des fréquences ou capter des émissions pour m’entraîner à l’écoute, mais ne trouve rien sur mon petit Eton. J'aime beaucoup votre chaîne.
@@RadioPrepper Thanks, Gil. I have had one a couple of weeks. Good receiver. I know from ReverseBeacon that my signal is getting out there.. I doubt you need one. I love your channel.
The unexpected. As the Japanese saying goes "that too shall pass," including good times. There is no point in prepping for something particular. Last I checked, we can't predict the future.
Two years ago things were fair. Since I got my kx2 2 months ago, I’m now sorry I wasted all that money! No fault of elecraft, just the worst band conditions in my 50 years on the air. I suspect there will be a lot of ham rigs for sale in the next couple years.... not just QRP rigs but all transceivers. Sad. It is what it is..... Maybe I’ll try DStar or go back to my other hobbies.
Expensive radio the only thing that 100% turns me off on this radio is its lack of water resistance.. when i go on a trip it seems like it rains all the time and this radio would be a Brick in short order.. so ill never get one.
I really wish there were more water-resistant radios. For hobby-radio, no need. If it rains you pack up. For survival radio, you might not have a choice...
"Water Resistant" always begs the question, "how water resistant?" It's expensive to honestly claim "water resistant" and I believe there are milspecs to define what that actually means. Some hams may be willing to pay the price but all in all, in my experience, it's better to keep in mind that electronics don't like rain and just be a little careful. In the case of water resistant radios used for public safety - they will resist moisture as long as none of the seals have dried out and are changed as a part of routine maintenance.
Well, the Clansman PRC320, also shown in the video was designed to work in rain and worse conditions. They may be bulky but in the UK, you could probably buy 4 or 5 PRC320 radios for the cost os a single KX2.
That was a great review Gil. I have the same concern as you about buying a KX2. I wouldn't want to take it out of the house. I've dropped my smart phone more than once and I would hate to do the same with the KX2. I also have the K3 and I built a K2. Both are great rigs but, as you pointed out, Elecraft rigs are pricey. In fact, I'm in the market for a portable radio right now and the KX2 just didn't make the list because, of the things that you pointed out. Thanks!
Thanks. The lack of weather sealing is a big concern. Yet, I probably won't be selling my KX2 because of the performance. I might buy an FT-817nd, but the KX2 will stay. I'd love another K1!
At first I was skeptical because of the word "prepper" in your channel name, but now that I've watched this video you don't look like one of those tin-foil hat loonies at all. HI HI. In fact, I'll talk with you about cats any day. And I agree - DX is anything in another country. I'm just a bit jealous because I don't have a KX2. ;-)
LOL, unfortunately the word "prepper" is often associated with aluminum foil garments... Most preppers aren't loonies at all, just regular people who are aware of the precarity of life and like to be ready for rainy days. There are a few "cases" of course, and they always seem to end-up on television... This undeserved reputation means that a lot of good information is lost by failure of pressing the play button... You may not have a KX2, but you probably aren't as broke as I am now ;-) I got it because of the CW performance. Had I not been a CW kind of guy I would have bought an FT-817nd. Of course without importation tax the KX2 looks better from a US buyer's perspective.
The operator that did not want to DX with you because you were only in Europe. It identified the source as being from Russia. It was just a little joke at the expense of him not taking the time to at least speak to you more courteously.
Your honest reviews are a goldmine… Merci Beaucoup Gil.. 73s W5ZM.
SOTA Protection for a KX2.
There is no question that a Pelican case is the ultimate in terms of protection for a KX2; however, it's overkill, too heavy, too bulky, terrible to put in a backpack. IMHO, if you purchase the KX2 kit case it fits perfectly in a small dry bag. The combination of the padding of the kit case and the water proofing from the dry bag and your ready for most anything other than a drive over.
The KX2 kit case is nice. If you run across one, a small padded camera case works well too.
Great radio and a good video......I love my K2/100, well worth the money
I carry mine in a surplus East German messenger bag, which has a internal waterproof coating. I've been leaving the KX2 at home and taking the KX3 due to the 6 meter openings.
Lee, WA8QFE
Thank You for the review! I hope you and your family are safe during this crisis. 👍🏻
Thanks!
Very helpful, thank you.
Australia is much the same: import charges are a rip off. By the time you add the exorbitant shipping costs, GST, the exchange rate, and then the import fees, you are almost twice the price than to buy it in the USA.
I watching you and in the same time I practicing transmitting K and R alternately following Rx lesson... You're an inspiration. THX !
Great, keep at it!
Great review ! The receiver on those is incredible. I would be apprehensive of using it in the rain too. DX only operators are a drag IMHO. Thanks for sharing !
Nice to see. Always likte your Videos. It inspire me for my Channel Sailing & SoTa 📡😃⛵️
Nice, I have one of these in order, I spoke to Elecraft on the phone and she said the radios are made at their facilities, so yes they are made in the USA. 73 de KI5JCO
i perfectly understand your wish for social exchange ... same for me ... only with that aspect the hobby is meaningful for me. Cheers from Zuerich, HB9GSS
Gil, your videos are very interesting and very informative. Thank you. 73 W1NGA
I have a KX3, the 2’s weren’t out when I bought mine, like you I don’t use 160 or 6 when out and about so I would probably go for the KX2 now. No regrets, I get so much fun out of mine. Back Yards On The Air (BYOTA) during lockdown. Use a separate battery pack for fear of leakage when not in use. Had a FT817 previous, performance not in the same class as the Elecraft but built so solidly. Luv it, thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great radios indeed! You gain just a bit of size with the KX2, but looking back, I would keep the KX3, if just for 6m.
Yep, no comparison between KX3 and FT817. I'm spoiled by the quiet RX of my KX3, so much so I don't use my other Yaesus or Kenwoods. Now that I'm getting a KXPA100, I can sell all my other rigs. Keep your KX3. Its RX is better than the KX2.
one of the best videos on the subject. Terrible import charge. and I think for the money they charge elecraft should do some major improvements on their case. Starting with the thin plastic display cover. People say it warps and leaks mosture around it as well. They could use much better quality knobs and the main tuning Knob with a little weight added for feel would help. I like the radio but I think it is well over priced.
For me the issue is the connectors too. Very ordinary and vulnerable. I wince when I see your straight plugs and would recommend right angle plugs.
Sure, but I've had weird SWR problems with 90deg plugs...
Good video on the kx2.
Thanks Gil. actually I'm very happy you made this video. I've never held the kx2 in my because you know I'd like to have one. I always assumed it was as well built as the 817. after watching your video perhaps I understand it's not the right radio for the environment I'm operating in.
there is a guy from Denmark I believe who has a project for mounting the kx2 inside of little bit smaller Pelican case. I don't know man giving up VHF, and not being rugged, it might not be the right radio. only complaint to have on the 817 is the Legacy batteries and the forward facing display.
have a good one Gil.
+OH8STN Hi Julian. Indeed, in your environment it would need extra protection, like mounting it inside a case and connecting a speaker-microphone. Maybe a clear case to see the screen, which by the way is awesome. It is well built but not so weatherproof... You can make your own 18650 threepack... An 817 I would not hesitate to take in the elements. The KX2, too much money to lose... But it is a great radio!
***** I was thinking exactly the same thing Tony. It's a tiny easy to carry radio which requires a Pelican case that's larger than the 817. This might be a deal-breaker. It's how you something guys if Yaesu you would make a qrp rig with upward facing display, I would buy it in a heartbeat
+OH8STN The only thing Yaesu has to do is revise the 817nd, add DSP and lower the current draw below 200mA. I would sell my KX2 for one of those. For now the Elecraft receiver performance takes the cake. Maybe I should keep my eyes open for a good used 817, but I'm not selling my KX2.
I've owned both the KX3 and 817ND, sold both. The 817 far more rugged. I operate portable ocean side and was constantly worried about the salt spray getting into the KX3. If the 817 had a larger display, there would be no contest between the two rigs. Never had overheating with the 817 even when running full 5 watts on PSK31, but normally ran PSK at 2.5 watt level. Never owned a KX2 and doubt I will due to the fragility of it. Maybe an LNR rig next time, hi 73.
+George Smith I agree. My KX2 mostly stays inside. That's a shame because performance is stellar. The 817 is much better for the outside.
4 years later. Es the kx2 is still the best field radio on the market. Hihi. Even better than the 705 and lab 599. IMO.
Agreed!
Great your comment about "DX vs. chat", makes me laugh and "thumbs up"! Thanks for the review btw!
Thanks!
Great video.
Im a bit like you.
I like meaningfull chats. "The name of the cats"👍😅
Very imformative like allways.
From Belgium here (expat)
You can make a mini microphone out of a beofeng ear phone ptt mic
The Kx2 is a great radio. I want one, but they are pricey. I was thinking of just buying the Yaesu FT-891....it's a 100 watt radio. It has a higher operating power drain but its 635 USD. covers 160-6m. and in the solar minimum it will be able to reach out a bit better. People buy the KX2 and then add an amp... the 891 has the filters built in and has DSP. Buy a case for it. Buy a bigger battery and a 30w solar panel for it and be better off. You bring up a great point with the physical architecture of the Elecraft Radios. Weatherproofing, or lack of..
The 891 looks like a good radio. I still prefer a smaller solution though. No amp for me. 12W is plenty.
I started out with a QRP radio for my first HF rig and it was a mistake. I’ve replaced it with an 891 and I’ll revisit QRP in the future once I get a little more experience.
Great video, thank you and regards 73 Karl KE3KWE
I own both the FT817ND and the Elecraft KX2. Both were bought for /P use. Looking back, buying the KX2 was a big mistake. IMO it is totally unsuited to outdoor operation. It has more holes in it than a Swiss cheese. The FT817ND is not perfect either as an outdoor radio, but it has far fewer holes for water to get in. While the KX2 has a better receiver than the FT817, the 817 does the job and the addition of the cheap external matching Yaesu soft case allows me to use the 817 in situations I wouldn't dare to try using the KX2 in. True the KX2 has a decent receiver with excellent digital filtering, but I live in Scotland where we get quite a lot of rain, so the KX2 has only ever been taken outdoors a couple of times since I bought it. I also have a PELICASE that holds my complete KX2 station... radio, battery pack, wires, coax, and so on, but to be honest, I use the KX2 as a backup radio at home and the FT817 sees all the outdoor action. The 817 can be retrofitted with a Collins filter for SSB or CW. Not as flexible as the KX2, but it does the job and I don't worry much about using it outdoors.
Exactly my thinking...
I realize this video is over 2 years old, and the quality, and functionality of the KX2 absolutely cannot be denied. However, when you look at the Xiegu X5105, and especially considering the price, things aren't quite so clear, at least for me. I just received my Xiegu G90 yesterday, and I'm very impressed. The radio was $439.99, with free shipping, and I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. I was just about ready to buy a KX2, but honestly, that purchase will probably be an X5105 now. I'm still not saying the X5105 is every bit the radio the KX2 is, but it will fit my needs very well. Thanks for the video. I'm a new subscriber.
I was looking at the G1M and the G90... Current draw is high. I am now leaning towards the QRPVer Minion SDR or Minion Mini...
@@RadioPrepper I'm going to have a look at them. Thanks.
@@MyTube4Utoo how do you feel about the G90 not having noise reduction? That’s a great lack for me, even comparing with the 6100 which has good NR.
Not a big deal for me. I see it as more of a listening comfort feature..
@@RadioPrepper thanks Gil. I value it a little more because of DX so I can hear better remote/weak stations.
I agree Gil. I love my kx3 but it’s very pricey for what is essentially a qrp radio. A little more waterproofing as you say also would be nice. I tend to hook it to my kpa500 and it’s a small foot print shack rig...
I sold mine because I feared damaging it on outings...
Great video.
I got rid of my KX3 as well. I had images of myself in the woods with only a survival knife and my radio and that never happened. lol. I think I'm going to buy a KX2. Any recommendations for add ons for a CW Op? seems the radio is good to go for a simple CW POTA activation. BTW I really like your demeanor in this video. I can tell you think before you speak and give info based on facts not feelings. Very Good. 72 -KB6Q
Thanks. The KX2 has everything for CW. I would just get a quality key.
Is it ham spirit to dismiss a call from France when searching for DX?! I thought "friendship" was more important than "scoring DC".
That was long ago...
Nice Review. Sorry about your sailboat. What antenna did you use for ham radio on board? I'm a liveaboard on 40ft sailboat but find the backstay antenna to be not so good. Ship radio is a 150w furuno ft1502 with tuner so heaps of power compared to my icom 703.
Hi, the back stay was insulated, to use as an antenna.
Nice video.....thank you for your insight on this radio... w3tbc
Great video Gil. I have heard that the KX2 tends to overheat on the right hand side and shut down the transmitter on hot days, have you noticed that.
+Joel Caulkins Hi Joel. Mine did overheat once, but not to the point of reducing power. I think that if your SWR is good it won't overheat. I had a bit of an SWR when it happened. If I notice it again I will note all parameters and report on it. I recently tried digital modes with 100% duty cycle using 5W and it remained cool.
@@RadioPrepper I seen TH-cam videos on adding a heat dissipation side panel. Are those effective? Great video. Keep them coming. I’m serious about getting a kx2 ONLY after I passed my general and extra exams
Probably for digital modes..
Great review. I have been thinking about QRP / Survival Radio since I started watching your videos. I think I will look at reviews over the Yaesu FT-817 , so far its the most rugged and costs at least 1/3 less than a basic Elecraft here in the USA. Elecraft is a little too much $$$ , for survival and prepping. I just want to be able to make contacts from my cabin out in the woods during the winter. I used an old Yaesu 100 watt tuned down to 20 watts and it worked fine until my old SLA battery went dead.
I agree, the 817 is more rugged and cheaper than the KX2. Performance isn't the same but you get a lot of bang for your $.
Nice quick review. Sorry you had to get rid of your KX3. I love my KX3. It's my base station rig and has the best RX for the money. Since solar activity has been so poor, I have a KXPA100 on order. The KX2 RX is not quite up to the level of the KX3, but overall the KX2 is a sweet full-featured /P QRP rig. You might miss 6M /P, but probably not 160M, HI. You will pay a bit more for an Elecraft, but you really do get what you pay for. Mic? Who needs a mic! 72/73 de N6MGN
I know I should have kept it, and my K2 even more !
Hi Gil, I just bought an elecraft kx2, I have noticed that your equipment shows your call sign when turning on the equipment, I do not see it in the manual, is it done in any special way?
Thank you
With the Elecraft software on your PC.
Very expensive but pretty. It’s pretty. Not better than many other QRP radios. I like the Xiegu 5105
No better? Oh yes it is!
Gil...Great video on the KX2...Nice radio but too high priced for me...I had two Yaesu FT-817nd...Nice for QRP...Now YAESU has a new QRP radio coming out...The FT-818...The big brother for the FT-817nd...The price on the FT-818 is around $850 and is due out in March 2018...Check it out...73 W5APL
I checked the specs, but they did not change much. Seems more like a marketing ploy to me. That said the 817nd is a great radio.
Gil...Not many changes on the FT-818...It's now up to 6 Watts...TXCO filter is built in...Higher battery load...That all I can see...I wish the KX2 was under a $1,000...but here in the US the price is around $1,250...All being said the KX2 is a GREAT radio73 for now W5APL
1250? I paid 850 for mine, but customs charged me 350 in importation taxes, thieves!
On the Elecraft site It's $770.
Nice, honest review, especially from the prepping perspective. A friend of mine has the KX3 and it is indeed a work of art, but the price.....wow. I'm using a Yaesu ft-857D and an Icom Ic-703 (on loan from my employer). Not sure which radio I'll end up buying....so many choices. I do know that I want something that can be portable. By the way, that microphone-did you modify the connection yourself, or purchase it that way?
+Ron C Hi Ray. I soldered the jack for the microphone, which came with bare wires.
Thanks! It looks like a very durable mic and I am a fan of things that can take a beating.
Gil...I'm buying a KX2 this month... the $769 unit is the one I want...is a better to get the internal antenna tuner or use the small one that you use ? what about the internal battery pack ? thanks for your help.....Albert W5APL
I built my K2 in 1999 and the receiver on cw with the add-on audio filter was amazing! The SSB board was a waste of $$, terrible tx audio and I even bought a replacement re-design to improve tx audio was still crap!! The Elecraft boys not good at ssb engineering.
I regret selling mine, huge mistake! I had good TX audio but paid extra for matched crystals..
Hello, can you provide the model of the Astatic microphone that your are using with the kx2? 73 de In3aqk
Sorry, I don't have it here, no idea...
Can you compare and contrast the KX2 vs KX3. Specifically, I have a KX3 and wonder is there any reason for me to get a KX2 or would that just be a waste of money.
If you already have a KX3, no, you do not need a KX2, really. The KX2 is a KX3 without 6m and 160m. It is smaller but not that much. If you know Morse, look at the Weber MTR4b from LNR Precision... if Not, look at the 2m module for the KX3...
thank you. I really enjoy your videos. 73 w1tws
I built a K2 in 2000, took a month.....IMO great CW rig, sucks on phone. Also, my k2 had issues with BFO stability and yes I did the circuit upgrades recommended by Elecraft. Now, I run a IC-7300 for QTH and KX3 for portable use. KX2/KX3 much better radio, IMO .... 73/k6sdw
My K2 was great on SSB too, but I built that card with a set of matched crystals.
@@RadioPrepper Close ham friends would complain about my "restricted sounding audio...I even went so far as to buy new SSB board with later design to deal with SSB audio and it wasn't much better.
I would have kept the K2 but the BFO to filter drift bugged me. Again, I did the mods as suggested by Elecraft and it didn't really help.
73 ~ thanks for the response.
NOT EU DX ONLY -- He could have acknowledged your call and given you a signal report with no more time and effort! Oh, well...
Maybe he did not hear me...
why would one need or want the internal clock. It seems like an unnecessary option. Love your videos. Best wishes. Tom W1TWS
It does to me too. I think contesters like the option.
Belle machine, j'aimerais bien l'avoir, mais hors budget pour l'instant. Il faut que je me remette au morse, j'était très bon à l'armée et prenais très vite. Ça devrait revenir vite je pense. En attendant je cherche des fréquences ou capter des émissions pour m’entraîner à l’écoute, mais ne trouve rien sur mon petit Eton. J'aime beaucoup votre chaîne.
Merci. Elle reçoit quelles fréquences vôtre radio?
@@RadioPrepper De 150 à 30000 khz
Would you do a review of the MFJ cub?
Hi, I would if I had one...
@@RadioPrepper Thanks, Gil. I have had one a couple of weeks. Good receiver. I know from ReverseBeacon that my signal is getting out there.. I doubt you need one. I love your channel.
Keep on keying ;-)
What are you prepping for?
The unexpected. As the Japanese saying goes "that too shall pass," including good times. There is no point in prepping for something particular. Last I checked, we can't predict the future.
Two years ago things were fair. Since I got my kx2 2 months ago, I’m now sorry I wasted all that money! No fault of elecraft, just the worst band conditions in my 50 years on the air. I suspect there will be a lot of ham rigs for sale in the next couple years.... not just QRP rigs but all transceivers. Sad. It is what it is..... Maybe I’ll try DStar or go back to my other hobbies.
Propagation will come back, patience!
Don’t think in my life time......
300 Euros for customs??? That's CRAZY.
On a $800 radio yes...
@@RadioPrepper I would argue that's crazy for a 10,000 Euro radio. It just sounds like theft to me.
It's called socialism here...
Expensive radio the only thing that 100% turns me off on this radio is its lack of water resistance.. when i go on a trip it seems like it rains all the time and this radio would be a Brick in short order..
so ill never get one.
One of the reasons I sold it...
That is ridiculous about the 300 euro import duty. Ouch. Elecraft needs to make a handheld.
+Joe DeJohn We are milked to the bone here...
I live in a state here with high taxes and everyone is leaving. Hope things change.
+Joe DeJohn I'll be leaving soon or later...
>Elecraft needs to make a handheld.< They have. It's called the KX2!
The KX2 can be used hand-held. It even has a decent internal microphone.
Do you have the roofing filters installed? 73 KI6AMK
Hi, no, never felt the need...
@@RadioPrepper Merci, 73 KI6AMK.
Sadly, there are no roofing filters for the KX2.
I've never felt I needed one...
300eu..wow. In Ireland you might have paid 100eu. No duty on radio transmitters in Australia.
The Irish aren't much better Gil. I heard an interview with wayne burdick of elecraft today. You might want to listen to it. Www.qsotoday.com
+VK6OP I'll check it out thanks. He is a member of radiopreppers.com..
I better hurry to buy a PRC-350!
Gil...when got your KX2...what came with it ?
Al W5APL
Nothing!
I can probably answer that for you. Elecraft just supply the radio plus manual and power lead. Everything else comes as expensive 'optional extras'.
I wouldn't use ANY radio in the rain. There are some commercial radios that hold up ok in rainy weather but you pay dearly for them.
I really wish there were more water-resistant radios. For hobby-radio, no need. If it rains you pack up. For survival radio, you might not have a choice...
"Water Resistant" always begs the question, "how water resistant?" It's expensive to honestly claim "water resistant" and I believe there are milspecs to define what that actually means. Some hams may be willing to pay the price but all in all, in my experience, it's better to keep in mind that electronics don't like rain and just be a little careful.
In the case of water resistant radios used for public safety - they will resist moisture as long as none of the seals have dried out and are changed as a part of routine maintenance.
Well, the Clansman PRC320, also shown in the video was designed to work in rain and worse conditions. They may be bulky but in the UK, you could probably buy 4 or 5 PRC320 radios for the cost os a single KX2.
Exactly! And the PRC-320 can even be submerged for short periods..
That was a great review Gil. I have the same concern as you about buying a KX2. I wouldn't want to take it out of the house. I've dropped my smart phone more than once and I would hate to do the same with the KX2. I also have the K3 and I built a K2. Both are great rigs but, as you pointed out, Elecraft rigs are pricey. In fact, I'm in the market for a portable radio right now and the KX2 just didn't make the list because, of the things that you pointed out. Thanks!
Thanks. The lack of weather sealing is a big concern. Yet, I probably won't be selling my KX2 because of the performance. I might buy an FT-817nd, but the KX2 will stay. I'd love another K1!
@@RadioPrepper if they were to improve the casing elecraft would probably also increase the price
Definitely, but one can dream ;-)
73+🇧🇷
Can you add silicone gel around the insides?
I think it would be better to get a watertight case for it, like a Pelican or similar...
You have a cat? Haven't heard any meowing on the videos. ;)
LOL, no cat!
I'm a new amateur radio operator and I would like to ask which radio you would recommend, the KX2 or the KX3.
Michael
+Michael Bradley If you don't need 6m and 160m, the KX2 is great. If you have other radios with 6m, then the KX3...
The KX3 has a less cluttered front panel and a better tuning encoder.
Hi its possible tune 1Hz steps on SSB mode ?
I think it's possible in digital mode..
At first I was skeptical because of the word "prepper" in your channel name, but now that I've watched this video you don't look like one of those tin-foil hat loonies at all. HI HI. In fact, I'll talk with you about cats any day. And I agree - DX is anything in another country. I'm just a bit jealous because I don't have a KX2. ;-)
LOL, unfortunately the word "prepper" is often associated with aluminum foil garments... Most preppers aren't loonies at all, just regular people who are aware of the precarity of life and like to be ready for rainy days. There are a few "cases" of course, and they always seem to end-up on television... This undeserved reputation means that a lot of good information is lost by failure of pressing the play button... You may not have a KX2, but you probably aren't as broke as I am now ;-) I got it because of the CW performance. Had I not been a CW kind of guy I would have bought an FT-817nd. Of course without importation tax the KX2 looks better from a US buyer's perspective.
@neveragain The sheeple are just ignorant and jealous.
Nice radio but over priced
Expensive yes; overpriced, no.
Unrealistically high prices of this stuff keeps most hams away, sorry.
On your 144mhz ssb topic in the us we have the BOZO net you may wish 2 start on there you can print a bozo badge from there web sight 73 kg6mn bozo
I wish we had something like that here. I checked their web site. From France I doubt it is possible on VHF to hear them.
you start a bozo net in france
+jerome grzelak Not a bad idea...
Great video. Figures an attitude from a Russian. LOL
Russian?
The operator that did not want to DX with you because you were only in Europe. It identified the source as being from Russia. It was just a little joke at the expense of him not taking the time to at least speak to you more courteously.