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.
@EvanK2EJT9 ай бұрын
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!
@w4arb Жыл бұрын
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.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
Elecraft needs to build internals for a Lab-599 built chassis
@gliderrider Жыл бұрын
Having a few more watts can sure be handy once in awhile. Especially with micro verticals. Enjoying your adventures! De n5vwn
@ericd2196 Жыл бұрын
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.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
I was really surprised at how well it worked, even with how bad the bands have been lately. Thanks for watching!
@JayN4GO Жыл бұрын
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
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's definitely an awesome radio! Thanks for watchig
@MikeFikes Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Enjoying these videos.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I appreciate you watching!
@ve2zdx Жыл бұрын
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
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
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!
@ve2zdx Жыл бұрын
@@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
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
@@ve2zdx Yeah, I think the capacitive key might be the ticket. Nothing to freeze up!
@alanb76 Жыл бұрын
Always carry a spare whip. Whips are consumable. (and produced in Asia) :)
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. I do now after that little debacle!
@RobbSanderson Жыл бұрын
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.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
I've had good luck with the Gabil GRA-7350TC. Thanks for watching!
@goobercrow198 Жыл бұрын
So what you’re saying elecraft k2 and ax1 aren’t built like a tank! 🤷🏻♂️😮 Good job activating 👍
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
LOL definitely not. Great radio and impressive little antenna, but not exactly built like a tank
@yobuddi Жыл бұрын
Have you tried the AX2/bipod connected to the Lab599? I'm wondering if the bipods geometry works well with the radio. Thanks!
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
You can't. The AX2 requires a tuner, which the TX-500 lacks.
@yobuddi Жыл бұрын
@@EvanK2EJT yes I understand.. if tuner wasn't required would the bipod touch the table and hold up the antenna?
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
@@yobuddi Yeah. The bipod is adjustable, so it'd definitely work
@o2bnov0307 Жыл бұрын
Do you know of a similar antenna by another manufacturer?
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
I don't, but they very well may exist
@n1bsbri Жыл бұрын
Gabil GRA-7350T is similar, somewhat larger. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaTGfWaql9CKpZY. --n1bs
@buildstoys Жыл бұрын
QRPGuys DS1 40m -10m Antenna
@o2bnov0307 Жыл бұрын
@@buildstoys thank you!!
@mikederrick2777 Жыл бұрын
Close to home..
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
I take it you live in the Binghamton area?
@AA0Z Жыл бұрын
Based on the comments I guess I need to operate with a Lab599 so I can compare it against my kx3.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
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.
@k9eihamradio Жыл бұрын
Nice Hyundai! LOL.
@EvanK2EJT Жыл бұрын
😅......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