Elecraft KX2 - Initial Review (Shack in a Box Accessories)

Shack-in-a-Box Accessories include: KXAT2 Internal Antenna Tuner, KXIO2 Real-Time Clock, KXBT2 Lithium-ion Battery Pack, KXBC2 External Lithium-ion Fast Charger for KXBT2, KX2GNDPLUG Quick Release Ground Plug, MH3 Hand Microphone, ES60 Compact Padded Carrying Case, Elecraft KX2 Book by Fred Cady, and
Elecraft Logo Hat.

[@Johnmfoss]

Currently using a Xiegu X6100. Ordered a Kx2 kit on 11/02/2022 - wait time 16-20 weeks. At least I have the X6100 until then, but to say that I am impatient would be an understatement. Thanks for the video.

[@royramdeen8864]

Awesome vlog.. I just ordered one of these.. great unboxing expectation.. thanks for sharing.

[@Randonneur_1961]

Thanks for the interesting video. I also ordered a KX2 transceiver. 73 DO2YK Frank👍🏻

[@davidbarts6144]

I saved up for a KX2 after comparing the specs on the KX2 and the FT818, and I'm glad I did. What particularly sold me on the KX2 was its lower receive current drain, and higher maximum output power on transmit. Elecraft radios do cost more, but they are worth it.

[@gazgazmag4729]

Thanks for a very informative video, I am in the market for a KX-2 and this has given me the confidence to place an order.

[@lytcomm88]

Gaz GazMag Thanks for watching!

[@skyscratcher8825]

Ok, Thanks for the excellent review! Looks like I’m going to be spending some money. This will be perfect for my SOTA project!

[@daniellbrinneman]

Good video. I built a K2 (60 hours) and K1 (40 hours) back when they were getting started. I enjoyed using my K2 and building the extra accessories for it. The K1 was built for another ham operator.

[@lytcomm88]

That sounds like fun! Thanks for watching!

[@normk7nwf323]

I also own a KX2 and find it to be the best portable rig built....good luck with yours and great job on this video....

[@lytcomm88]

It is! Thank you!

[@tarapos]

Excellent video!

[@lytcomm88]

tarapos thank you!

[@swampymaan]

nice vid... and great radio...

[@lytcomm88]

swampymaan Thank you!

[@WilliamParmley]

Thanks, I enjoyed this and it was helpful. Good for you for taking the necessary time to read and study the manual. I'm sure that will contribute greatly to getting the maximum performance and enjoyment out of the KX2. One reason I specifically watched this was, I was curious if it would come with the antenna tuner installed or whether you would have to do it yourself. (Assuming you order the radio and tuner together, of course.) Glad to see that it came installed.

[@pnowikow]

I've got this shack in the box on my wish list. It's this or the icom but the elecraft is sooo much smaller and has a tuner and uses less power

[@twoisone599]

I believe they have made some upgrades to this rig. I think it now has the option to charge the battery without pulling it out

[@Texan747]

Very nicely done video, excellent photography, editing, scrip, and audio. Elecraft certainly makes a wonderful products. I started with a K-1 and now have added a KX3. It was difficult to part with the K1 as it was such a surprising performer. I considered the KX2 but had been planning on a KX3 for a long time. Bought a KX3 from Eric at Dayton. The WOW factor is remarkable! Thank you for such a nice video. W5JCS

[@lytcomm88]

Sjim thank you! I appreciate it very much! Congrats on the KX3!

[@profgyland2]

This is a superbly crafted video that does not miss anything of importance. This young man produces excellent video products that are informative and well explained without the usual rubbish that so many videos on KZbin offer. Thank you very much and please go on making these great videos.

[@lytcomm88]

Gordon Land Thank you! I really appreciate the comment! I will work at making more!

[@jackiegreen5027]

I love this radio good luck with your radio

[@lytcomm88]

Thank you!

[@huffman425]

Very good video. I have been torn between the X-5105 and the KN@. The reason that I was looking at the -5105 was the larger display because I have vision problems and was wondering if I could see the KX2 screen good enough. I have just about made up my mind to get the KX2 Shack in the Box if it is still offered. Jim AA4KR

[@edrudolph1]

great review. sub'd

[@lytcomm88]

Ed Rudolph Thank you!

[@Greg-zr4wm]

I'm not sure about how many based it is, but I guess you would get use to it after awhile

[@richardg4817]

Excellent review! I am researching the KX2 and KX3. It appears that there are not any optional filters for the KX2, whereas there are for the KX3, which adds to the cost of the radio. Is the receiver on the KX2 very good as is? Also, how is the noise blanker?

[@lytcomm88]

Richard G The receiver is superb! Any Elecraft receiver is typically better than the mainstream brand radios from what I’ve seen and heard from other hams. I don’t use the noise blanker much. I use this rig more for CW and don’t find my self needing it. Thanks for watching!

[@gabes80]

A few thoughts: 1. Great video! 2. I just bought a used KX3 with all the options included. It's great and will be my primary (possibly only) HF rig. 3. I need to find a way to get the KX3 Fred Cady book here in Australia! 4. What's the little paddle you're using? I have a Kent paddle for home use and a 3D-printed paddle for portable, but I'd like something high quality for portable ops.

[@MrC-Hacking]

gabes80 I recommend elecrafts Paddle. It sticks to the bottom of the radio and is very compact

[@gabes80]

@@MrC-Hacking yeah it's very pricey though.. I think he's using the palm paddle in this video but I agree with you, my first choice would be the elecraft paddle for the kx3!

[@DrHWO]

A very high quality presentation, congratulations. I would be interested to know if you considered the KX3 and if so, the factors which guided you towards this radio I appreciate this will be different for all of us, but I'm interested in your view. Its my experience that one subscribes to a channel because of a belief and trust in the presenter, perhaps a little more than the content. Or maybe I'm talking out of my ass again. Thank you.

[@lytcomm88]

DrHWO I completely understand. The main reason was the size. When it comes to backpacking, just a few inches difference, goes a long way. I was originally considering the kx3 but this was the first reason.

[@jackkelley890]

Around the 8 min. mark on your video you show a small external key. Can you tell me more about that. Have you ever tried the key that screws on the bottom of the receiver? The external looks like a better way for sure. Thank you for putting this video together. Jack

[@lytcomm88]

The external key is the Palm Radio Pico Paddle. Back then I was able to purchase it through Giga Parts but I'm not sure if they still carry it there. I have not tried the Elecraft key that attaches. I would like to get my hands one so I can review it. Thank you!

[@dovetomarc]

Can you fit the battery charger and the Bioenno Battery in the case? Thanks. Nice video.

[@lytcomm88]

Haven’t tried the charger but I’m sure you can.

[@thedudeistoocool]

Nicely done. Nice rig. Had to laugh at you reviewing the Elecraft hat while wearing a Yaesu hat. I'll subscribe but you need to make more vids.

[@lytcomm88]

thedudeistoocool haha! Thanks! I definitely will be making more videos.

[@BastHoen]

Great video, thank you. 73 PA5BAS

[@michaelhiggins7365]

One quick question . . . is that a Pico Paddle you were using at the end of the video?

[@lytcomm88]

Michael Higgins yes! It’s a Palm Radio Pico Paddle. It’s the one Giga Parts sells on their website.

[@mickeydriver1000]

Great video. Thanks! AK5Q

[@lytcomm88]

Mickey Driver Thank You!

[@petrok1rp254]

8:00 Yaesu cap on the head...hihi

[@nobraidps]

And how much was that?

[@javajoe668]

Because it’s qrp would you say it’s better for CW ?

[@lytcomm88]

Joe g Yes! It’s perfect for CW!

[@javajoe668]

Thank you

[@mrquick1937]

Think I’m gonna sell my ft817.

[@marcclarke01]

The completely unnecessary music track is extremely distracting.

[@lytcomm88]

My apologies. Hopefully, it was somewhat helpful. Thank for watching.