I wish I could smash the like button 100 times. I got my kit like yours (holy moly they are proud of it -but like you I wanted quality and American). I used this video as a step-by-step and everything went perfectly. Thanks so much for doing it and doing such a good job. W2SWA
I installed that same kit earlier this year. It is great. Really helps when doing FT8 on the KX2. However you still have to keep an eye on Temperature. Also helps to keep the KX2 out of direct sunlight. I just set the sub display to show operating temp. Mark W6XYZ
small zip lock bags - put thumb on one side along the zip and finger along the other side along the zip and slide the zip along its length - it will pop open :-) I too have man fingers - good for plugging holes - never going to be a surgeon :-)
Love the modifications! 👍 My only question is why didn't they include them when you bought the radio? 🤔 Nice job on the installation! Now send me the radio when you're done. 😁
I have not done it yet. Like your idea of the ceramic tweezers -- will have to order those I DID have difficulty when I took off the "easy" plate as I did not realize that all the screws are NOT the same -- two are metric and two are imperial. They are difficult to see which is which, so I think that I will also get that magnetic tray and carefully remember which one is which. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the help! Installing the side panel I came across the instruction to put the paste on the PA Fet. To make sure I knew what I was doing I searched it on TH-cam. Sure enough: another very useful HRCC video! 🙏👍 73 from appreciative ham and Patreon supporter 😎
Good job. Looks better. Yeah using credit cards on CPUs, been there done that. Hey @Josh can you put a good but not too expensive soldering kit in your Amazon store plz. My daughter is a prime member and that's what I'm asking for my xmass present. Thx
when you give kx2 away. give it to me. thanks in advance. if you need a sad story on why i deserve it. let me know . i will think of one. thanks again.
I can't find the link to try to win that QRP radio. I even went to your patreon site and can't find nothing there. I'd be a donator if I could find that link.
The manual actually says it can be done without removal but that you should consider removing it to not risk damaging parts on it. With the right tools and approaches as shown in the video, I dont think it needs to be done. I am pretty ham-fisted when it comes to fiddly electronics, and I was able to do it without removal of the ATU or incident. YMMV
Elecraft should have included those items as stock.
They should, or at least make it an option. However, when considering the Side KX people's pricing, Elecraft would say "Hold my beer and watch this."
I wish I could smash the like button 100 times. I got my kit like yours (holy moly they are proud of it -but like you I wanted quality and American). I used this video as a step-by-step and everything went perfectly. Thanks so much for doing it and doing such a good job. W2SWA
For the price they charge for KX2, Electracraft should send the Kx2 with the key connection covering
This is how the kx2 and kx3 should come from Elecraft.
Some people don’t like the rails getting in the way.
@Andy Robinson I was thinking the same thing. My G90 has the rails. If someone doesn't like them they can simply take them off.
I installed that same kit earlier this year. It is great. Really helps when doing FT8 on the KX2. However you still have to keep an eye on Temperature. Also helps to keep the KX2 out of direct sunlight. I just set the sub display to show operating temp.
Mark W6XYZ
Ah. Good idea on the op temp. I forgot that is a display mode. I generally leave it on time or battery.
You really have to watch the temp on these portable rigs. On a summit, they soak up heat, even when operating phone or CW modes.
Words cannot describe how much I hated how you opened that box
FOR THE LULZ!!!! Notice that blade control though? All the way through the box, didn’t cut anything under.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I will give you that, pretty good control!
Very nice de Yi1hxh
I DISLIKE the plate that covers the key jack. You gotta work CW Josh!! I wish they offered a similar set up for my KX1. 73 de NV9Z
It doesn’t cover the key jack. I has a regular key that plugs into the radio. The plate I bought Covers the radio mounted key
I covered it with a Begali Adventure ;)
Thank you for posting this - super helpful and so appreciated!!
small zip lock bags - put thumb on one side along the zip and finger along the other side along the zip and slide the zip along its length - it will pop open :-) I too have man fingers - good for plugging holes - never going to be a surgeon :-)
Too much thermal paste. It should be very thin…
Love the modifications! 👍
My only question is why didn't they include them when you bought the radio? 🤔
Nice job on the installation!
Now send me the radio when you're done. 😁
The rails are made by another company.
I would like a good price to buy a KX2
cool mod! 120 seems a bit steep IMO but im a cheap bastard. the cover is nice! keeps it nice and well protected in a bag.
When you were talking about the left side, I actually had to look up "Bob's your uncle". I've never heard that before. Excellent job overall.
Just ordered these! Thanks Josh.
I have not done it yet. Like your idea of the ceramic tweezers -- will have to order those
I DID have difficulty when I took off the "easy" plate as I did not realize that all the screws are NOT the same -- two are metric and two are imperial. They are difficult to see which is which, so I think that I will also get that magnetic tray and carefully remember which one is which.
Thanks for the video
Check this out. MYTH: Use ANY Radio During An Emergency!
th-cam.com/video/0MKBXBCENMY/w-d-xo.html
CW SOTA: Ham Radio's Delta Force
Fine business.
Great job on this video.
Great upgrade Josh!
finally got my amateur extra
Thanks for the help! Installing the side panel I came across the instruction to put the paste on the PA Fet. To make sure I knew what I was doing I searched it on TH-cam. Sure enough: another very useful HRCC video! 🙏👍 73 from appreciative ham and Patreon supporter 😎
Good job. Looks better. Yeah using credit cards on CPUs, been there done that. Hey @Josh can you put a good but not too expensive soldering kit in your Amazon store plz. My daughter is a prime member and that's what I'm asking for my xmass present. Thx
I don’t think it worth $110... just saying. Thanks for sharing! 👍
I assume it still fits in the original pouch. Let us know if your satisfied we the heat sink. Thumbs up on buying US.
Sweet! I am going to be hunting when you go on the hike. I am in the SF Bay Area so it will likely only be 40m, but 20m might be possible.
Very well done! Really like those Knipex smooth jaw pliers, too.
when you give kx2 away. give it to me. thanks in advance. if you need a sad story on why i deserve it. let me know . i will think of one. thanks again.
Looks to be excellent protection Josh! Let us know how it works out. 73
This makes an already nice radio damn near perfect, cool upgrade man, congrats!
I can't find the link to try to win that QRP radio. I even went to your patreon site and can't find nothing there. I'd be a donator if I could find that link.
Hoshnasi.com/contest
Take your time on side panels very easy !
It didn't look like you pushed the antenna jack on fully. Might want to check prior to hiking.
It’s fully seated.
You lost me at minute 3:45 😁 I love that phrase, "exactly as correct as possible."
Lol
I’ll use “violently correct” from now on.
Man I love that little rig!
not sure I like the way your aerial connector was replaced. Wasn't sitting fully on 11:21. It is crooked, but was square on when you took it off.
It’s perfectly straight. See @9:40
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I don't mean the silver connector I mean the white 2 pin connector at 11:21
@@HamRadioCrashCourse not the BNC
Badassery in effect
Great Idea! Have a great time.
Would it be easier to remove the tuner board to make this install? Thank you for the video!
No, I don't think so, you saw the install. It was easy.
Ham Radio Crash Course I saw your complete install and just wanted to ask. So if it was easy I will leave mine in when I add the heatsync.
The manual actually says it can be done without removal but that you should consider removing it to not risk damaging parts on it. With the right tools and approaches as shown in the video, I dont think it needs to be done. I am pretty ham-fisted when it comes to fiddly electronics, and I was able to do it without removal of the ATU or incident. YMMV
Never seen some one fumble so much with side panels
How many people have you seen handle side panels?