CW POTA at K-2032 with the Elecraft KX2 and AX2 antenna
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2024
- Today I decided to activate my first PARK for parks on the air. I've done plenty of activations, but this was the first one that wasn't at a state forest. I'm at K-2032 Chenango Valley State Park near Binghamton, NY. I used my Elecraft KX2 paired with my new new AX2 antenna and AXE1 40m coil for the activation. All in all it did pretty well, although there were a few issues with the antenna which I discuss in the video. Thanks for watching!
Evan
K2EJT
www.buymeacoff...
Just gotta' say, as a pencil geek, I like the pencil you are using. As for the 'flimsiness' of Elecraft's accessories, I'll agree. I've noted the same issues. But the radio build, I think, follows a different philosophy. The design makes repair and maintenance extremely easy. You can buy just about every component of the KX2, other than the main board, from Elecraft. I bought a used KX2 that the original owner had modified, and the back panel was pretty beat up. I just went out to the Elecraft website and ordered a replacement, along with a few other 'spares' - replacement knobs, one side panel, a main display clear cover, and a few other bits 'n bobs. Try doing that with any other radio. Yeah, the little rig is as water resistant as a submarine with screen doors, but just about every other HF rig on the market today has the same issue. The Lab599 TX500 may be the only exception. The performance of the KX2 is absolutely remarkable - a masterful mash-up of high performance, miniaturization and ease-of-use.
That's definitely a fair point, and one I hadn't considered with the build. I did purchase a second back panel since the original speaker was sounding a little rough. Being able to source new parts easily is definitely a huge benefit!
Having a few more watts can sure be handy once in awhile. Especially with micro verticals. Enjoying your adventures! De n5vwn
I love the Elecraft KX2 but I agree with your sentiment that it’s not a precision built solid chunk of radio. The Lab599 is the highest standard for that, no doubt. But man is it a pleasure to operate. Great video! Always enjoy listening to other folks activations.
Elecraft needs to build internals for a Lab-599 built chassis
Thanks! Enjoying these videos.
Thanks! I appreciate you watching!
Nice job! I have the AX1 but have never used it to activate. It rides along as a backup. Maybe if propagation picks up, I'll give it a try.
I was really surprised at how well it worked, even with how bad the bands have been lately. Thanks for watching!
Always carry a spare whip. Whips are consumable. (and produced in Asia) :)
Absolutely. I do now after that little debacle!
American made rigs have always suffered with cheesy ass knobs and casing. Tentec the same. Never could figure out why they couldn’t or won’t build them like an old yaesu. But hands down the kx2 is my favorite rig. I’m to buried with mine. lol
Yeah, it's definitely an awesome radio! Thanks for watchig
So what you’re saying elecraft k2 and ax1 aren’t built like a tank! 🤷🏻♂️😮 Good job activating 👍
LOL definitely not. Great radio and impressive little antenna, but not exactly built like a tank
I loved the idea of that capacitive key. Have you ever used it in the cold, I mean snow cold. I’m thinking of it for the -30c of Quebec in the winter when my bamakey freezes hehe
I haven't. I've only had it for a few months. I'll give it a shot this winter. I'm in Upstate NY, so I get similar weather to you in QC. Thanks for watching!
@@EvanK2EJT Waiting to see it hehehe during winter I keep going to the park no matter what, sometimes with snow at the waste. I have the 705, which I'm affraid to take to the snow. I got the 891 in a box I built for that and it works well, but it's heavy to carry in the snow =]]
So I got the kx2 as well, which I know that is able to handle the temperatures, but I also know that paddles normally freeze and start to act weirdly. Hopefully a capacitive key solves it =]
73
@@ve2zdx Yeah, I think the capacitive key might be the ticket. Nothing to freeze up!
Close to home..
I take it you live in the Binghamton area?
I live in an apartment building on the first floor. Currently my Kenwood TS 180 is packed away. What type of light weight vertical do you recommend? As I probably set up on the lawn to operate here, withe land lords permission of course.
I've had good luck with the Gabil GRA-7350TC. Thanks for watching!
Have you tried the AX2/bipod connected to the Lab599? I'm wondering if the bipods geometry works well with the radio. Thanks!
You can't. The AX2 requires a tuner, which the TX-500 lacks.
@@EvanK2EJT yes I understand.. if tuner wasn't required would the bipod touch the table and hold up the antenna?
@@yobuddi Yeah. The bipod is adjustable, so it'd definitely work
Based on the comments I guess I need to operate with a Lab599 so I can compare it against my kx3.
Both are great radios. I'd have a hard time trying to pick between my KX2 and my TX-500. I look at them as two similar tools for different jobs. One is the do it all radio that has an amazing receiver and can tune a wet noodle, while the other has an amazing receiver, and while it can't tune a wet noodle, you could throw it in the water with the noodles and it would live lol.
Do you know of a similar antenna by another manufacturer?
I don't, but they very well may exist
Gabil GRA-7350T is similar, somewhat larger. th-cam.com/video/kscL3tbkWo4/w-d-xo.html. --n1bs
QRPGuys DS1 40m -10m Antenna
@@buildstoys thank you!!
Nice Hyundai! LOL.
😅......I mean, I had a Hyundai a LONG time ago....but it definitely wouldn't be my first choice in vehicles. The Porsche however is an absolute joy to drive