The New Elecraft KH1: First pedestrian mobile POTA activation!

qrper.com/2023/11/my-first-po...
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00:00
Checking Out the KH1: 0:03:54
On the Air: 0:20:20
QRT: 1:06:30
Post-Activation Summary & Thoughts: 1:06:54

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2023/11/my-first-pota-activation-with-the-new-elecraft-kh1-handheld-qrp-transceiver/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@MentalWhiplash]

I don't need another radio...I don't need another radio...I just bought another radio...

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh my goodness do I know that mantra well!!!!! 🤣

[@briansalsbery9968]

@MentalWhiplash I’ll buy your KX2 so you can fund your KH1. 😊

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@briansalsbery9968 I'll get back with you on that. Maybe in 40 years. 😉

[@dsharaf]

I have a picture of Nemo (the fish from Finding Nemo), where the text goes: I NEED TO SAVE MONEY.... OH LOOK! A RADIO!!!! 😊

[@1polonium210]

Been there ... done that ... several times. I feel another one coming on.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@1:14:00 YES! Creating the moments for ham radio is what I need. I'm often sitting with 30-60 minutes to blow but can't throw and antenna or go "full bore" in most situations. This looks perfect for me. Thanks Thomas! Come on my stream soon and we can chat about it and bags again!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Will do! It would be fun to talk about bags/packs and maybe even some of the best ones with the KH1. I'm eager to hear how you've been enjoying yours.

[@w2aew]

Looks like I was #2 in your log! So cool!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

o great to put you in the logs, Alan!

[@hpbear101]

Elecraft needs to market an appropriate portable reclining lawn chair with folding logging table:)

[@paulharden9131]

And a flip out table for coffee and donuts -hi.

[@tomking8597]

I want but I got the eye from the misses when started talking about a QMX kit. So I’ll have to wait. But I really want. I wonder how long until Begali makes a fancy paddle for this.

[@TridentMissileTech]

I don’t see a market for it with all the other competitors and price. I do like the sound.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I can tell you that KH1 orders were orders of magnitude more than Elecraft predicted.

[@davidledfordw4jl322]

Still haven’t been won over yet, but thanks for the video

[@WillShattuck]

Thank you for your great video. I made a deal with my Elmer. After I get extra and can send consistently and receive consistently at 18 to 20 words per minute then I get to buy this. All of your videos help me with my CW. Thank you, Thomas!

[@ksb2112]

Unless your Elmer is paying for it I suggest you get it whenever you want to get it. 🙂 It will help you get to 18-20 wpm.

[@grantmcduling9760]

Nice to see an actual activation with the KH1 Thomas. I am surprised that the antenna doesn't have to be in the vertical position at all.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It seemed to make little difference in the moment.

[@Nostrildomus]

Counter pose and a tuner . . . That's new I think ?

[@noisetinker]

Would definitely say your videos are personality driven! :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

ha ha! Thank you? :)

[@EvanK2EJT]

Woohoo! Made it into the log on the maiden voyage

[@klas-erikwimanoz1dtf967]

I like the sidetone too. Not sinewave. This looks like a well designed TRX for portable use!!

[@la7dfa]

The squarewave makes it sound like a cheap toy . But else it seems to be an ok radio.

[@user-tm4jz6py9s]

Thank you for this activation video I was waitiing for you to create one. I did talk to Elecraft yesterday cause I had so many questions and they were very patient and courteous. I am one of those who's working toward getting my Technician license and at the same time learning morse code to be proficient at it not only on sending but also and mostly making sense of all the dit-dahs. it would be great if your next video you could demonstrate the on-the-fly decoding. Tghank you so much 73

[@ThomasK4SWL]

First off: Bravo on working on your Tech *and* CW! Amazing! The CW decoding feature isn't yet implemented, but it will be in a near future firmware update. Elecraft makes amazing products for field operating. I wish you the very best on your radio journey!

[@DaveW6OOD]

I’m late, but here now.

[@davidk7des76]

The speaker audio was fine for this video. Nice pileups, great fun!

[@DL1EAR]

Great, tnx Thomas. Great Video, great TRX. I will order one 73 DL1EAR

[@royramdeen8864]

I bought one and not even a Ham.. but now I have to do it.. too cool. 😆

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha!

[@DonLevey]

I've been chasing you for over a year, and this activation is the first time I've been able to catch your signal at me qth. And, I'm glad to say, I made it into your log! (Ok, it's exciting for *me* - 36:00 mark.) Sounds like a great radio, glad to see it in action.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for chasing me!!! Great to log you.

[@n1bsbri]

I'm happy to be in that elite inaugural group of contacts, and to help you complete your worked all New England award. Cool little radio. --n1bs from RI

[@zero_G.0]

Thanks for the review Thomas 👌🏼Great little rig of high quality ~ very expensive and export to Australia will be a wait😫🙃

[@Matt61702]

The KH1 seems fantastic… except for that side tone. Why does it sound like a shrunken Volkswagen horn?! I hope that gets fixed in firmware updates 😂

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

Tom, thanks a bunch.

[@kelley64]

Great video could see and hear it well.

[@JohnCook-bx4gv]

Video seemed alright to me 👍🏻

[@RadioNJ1948]

Hey Tom nice video and great activation. That radio is truly a work of art. I worked you at 47:00. It was great hearing how I sound on the other end of that fantastic radio. WB2IQG.

[@lauriepalmeira7519]

I love this! Thank you for the detailed video. I'm thinking I need one of these.....

[@randalltom9750]

It sure😅looks fun…

[@FM-us3rd]

That was awesome! That is such a cool radio. Thank you for the activation but what I thought was great was your jubilation using it.

[@hcy0]

So great. Finally setup doesn't take longer than activiation.

[@k9eihamradio]

I like the UTC clock! And the "Tiny Car" horn sidetone!

[@jhopkins213]

Hey Thomas! That was me K8YYZ at 1:04:11! I was on an Icom 756 Pro II running 100W using an EFRW with a 74' radiator and 25' of counterpoise wire. Great to work you and thanks for all of your activations and videos. I'm VERY new to CW and your videos have been very inspirational on my CW journey! Love that KH1!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you!!!

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

Sweet review Thomas! Can hardly wait until it gets here! Thanks again for your relaxed style of video making. N7KHH

[@k2wo1]

Thanks Thomas! Best video I've seen covering the KH1. Can't wait to get mine. Nice activation....great job! 73, George K2WO

[@Nionium]

Awesome!

[@JayN4GO]

Nice rig om. Sounds clear. Sidetone is horrid lol. Tnx for the pileup practice 😂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! Yes, I think sidetone is one of the biggest complaints. I believe Elecraft is working on this.

[@NS6X]

Ham alert showed you were on, but didn’t work you from the west coast. Waiting for my KH1. Maybe a kh1 to KH1 QSO in the future. Thanks for the video. I am learning more about the spotting networks, too.

[@earlrichardet2102]

Thanks for this video Tom. I was just made aware of this new radio and I immediately went to KZbin for reviews and there was your video. I was on the edge of making a purchase however, after watching your video I'm now going over to the Elecraft site and pull the plug. Thanks for helping me out, I just hope that I can get on the waiting list to get the radio before Christmas. Cheers, 72 and Thank you.

[@djsomers100]

Another great video. Real life. I ordered the KH1 on the first day available and excited to try it. Just getting nerves to go online with CW but copying pretty well. Thank you!

[@kq9l115]

So cool! I’m thinking you need one of those round “buttons” that are designed to attach on the back of a cell phone to help you hold the rig securely. Solid work as always Thomas! DE KQ9L

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That's a brilliant idea.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

interesting scene I will be looking into this.

[@kendebusk2540]

I must be a total weirdo because I liked this a lot. My only complaint was that I like to see your log so I can check my "head copy" and see if I'm correct. It wasn't possible from the way you were positioned. With the tray, that would be a breeze. Thanks, Thomas, for the code practice and learning experience I get from your videos! de KA8VLW, Ken, Michigan

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, that's always my goal, but it can be very challenging in the field. Also, the wee view screen on my camera doesn't give me the best idea if the logs are legible.

[@wg6h1]

Great video. Thanks for your efforts. I had decided NOT to get a KH1. You changed my mind !

[@pickinpastor9347]

what changed your mind?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Happy to help. :)

[@TheRealBigfootChannel]

Great video as always, and thank you. I don’t know that I like the receive audio though. Good luck and best 73.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Keep in mind that the little KH1 speaker was never intended to handle pileups like this. The audio is orders of magnitude better via earphones! :) And thank you!

[@leilanirocks]

In my dealings with Wayne and Elecraft, if he finds any way to source parts to improve the audio, he will make it available for a reasonable price later on, along with good instructions for upgrading it.

[@OregonOrcadian]

Great video as usual! Thanks so much for the demo. Looks like you are standing up. Why did you not sit down and save your back? - Camera view was fine I thought.

[@stevecolby6505]

Thomas: I'd love to see a hiking mobile activation with the KH1. I think you could drag the counterpoise behind while hiking. It would be amazing if you could activate a park or summit while mobile on the trail....amazing.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Funny: I've been thinking the same thing. I only have to mind the counterpoise. It wouldn't be good for another hiker to step on it. :)

[@FM-us3rd]

@@ThomasK4SWL I am surprised Elecraft didn't use a banana plug for the KH1 , so it could quickly disconnect if stepped on.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@FM-us3rd They actually advise not cranking down the lug super tightly. I think it would be easy to fashion a banana plug inline near the lug.

[@FM-us3rd]

That is a really good idea. I did not think of that, and it would be easy. Tripping is a problem, but I also would not want the radio pulled from my hand either if stepped on. @@ThomasK4SWL

[@larrytaylor7753]

Or, wade in a lake. Maybe wait until Summer.

[@user-hz1zo5dg9w]

You are right Thomas, the form factor appeal got me, I ordered one and will be learning CW on it . I'm a QRP digital guy but sick of all the wires and cables and looking for something for SOTA. Wonder how many other noobs to CW are doing the same thing.

[@sarahnanook2206]

Excellent design, it's really beautiful transceiver.

[@JonathanKayne]

I can see why you need headphones for this radio. That doesn’t exactly sound as pretty as I would expect. That sidetone isn’t pleasant either. It probably sounds way better on headphones so I’m curious to hear that on a future activation

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Audio is o very much better via earphones! It reminds me of the KX1 audio.

[@JonathanKayne]

@@ThomasK4SWL is the side tone less harsh too?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@JonathanKayne The sidetone sounds the same. I believe, though, there are two different volume settings for the sidetone (via speaker and via earphones).

[@JonathanKayne]

@@ThomasK4SWL seems a little harsh but maybe it's because the speaker was being overdriven slightly

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Sorry I missed it. Maybe next time or on a SOTA.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

100% OM!

[@AE5X]

Fantastic video, Thomas. I'm a bit surprised at the raspy sidetone but other features make this overlook-able (for me anyway). I was watching carefully to see if your manipulation of the paddles might result in an inadvertent bumping of the VFO knob...it appears not, but can the VFO be locked to prevent the possibility of that happening? Also, I've seen whip antennas with a swivel-type base - maybe this would be preferable (or an alternative) to the fixed 90-degree BNC connection some have mentioned...? Thanks for the contact & 73!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, John, and it was so great putting you int he logs! (This reminds me--I need to insert your video in my field report!) So far, I don't think I've bumped the VFO but I do think you can lock it. The sidetone has grown on me, actually. I kind of like it now--unique to this radio. From what I understand from Wayne (I asked the same question) you'll find no antennas with a hinged base that can fit that large of a screw-on connector. I do think he's working on a small 3D-printed adapter that would give you the same effect, though. -Thomas

[@David-km8in]

Hi Thomas, interesting video on the new radio. Shame it doesn't do ssb phone. I do like the small CW trancievers and have a fascination with morse code. Unfortunately I can't do CW. One day I will make the commitment to learn it and get out there will a simple set. Love you video's but find them sometimes a little to long. Many thanks for you KZbin content. David in the uk

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! Yes, they're all too long. KZbin certainly doesn't reward this either, but it's not my goal here (and, indeed, I have monetization completely turned off). I hope you do make that commitment to learn CW. It's such an incredibly rewarding mode! :) Best, Thomas

[@dsharaf]

Niche is Nice!😎 Thank you for the video on the KH1. I WANT ONE! But, the real question is.... Will it replace my MTR 4b? 😉🙃🤔

[@Linas_LY2H]

Awesome! Congratulations on handling pile-up so nicely! The receiver seems working really nice. But is there a narrow band CW filter option? Would help. a lot. Also, is there anything more known about the schematics? Is is really just an old-style superhet? What's the logic behind this at Elecraft? Was fun to watch you anyway! 73! 72! Linas LY2H

[@Paul_VK3HN]

I don't think the schematic is published. I saw another interview with Wayne Burdick in which he said they chose a superhet design to minimise receiver battery drain, it runs at 50 to 70 mA, they can't get near that with SDR.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It is superhet. It all had to do with a design that could keep the radio fully-loaded under 16oz. (it's 13oz). It does have a 4 pole crystal filter with variable widths. I'm not entirely sure if he's published the schematic yet.

[@larrytaylor7753]

Are you being conscious of the attitude of the antenna during operations? I would imagine that propagation would be effected if its vertical, then horizontal, then at a 45.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The orientation does affect it and I was playing around with it a bit during the activation.

[@W4EMB]

Nice try Thomas...... But you've drained my wallet already hihi... Nice show. Rhanks for the time and effort to make these vids. Also, braving the cold. W4EMB

[@ThomasK4SWL]

HA HA HA!

[@leilanirocks]

“How small is it?!” - Studio Audience

[@KC2BKM]

It was 55 today in North Carolina ya big girl. Your giving Canadians a bad name : )

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! It was 22 at the QTH this morning. Thing is, I actually dig the cold WX.

[@KC2BKM]

@@ThomasK4SWL I am in Northen NY (Almost Canadian) we have no choice but to love the cold weather and this radio IS renewing my motivation to learn CW. Great video as always. - kc2bkm

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@KC2BKM 😁Yes, you get the *really* cold temps! I think you'll love the KH1. It's a sweet little radio.

[@Sky1]

Cool rig but wish it was SSB, be like my first walkie on 20 meters 🙂

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You can do pedestrian mobile with the KX2. Just FYI! :)

[@stevewheatstone1856]

Thanks so much for the video Thomas. Will be glued to your channel for the next KH1 video. I was thinking if you have a nice park bench the more relaxed operating position would be sat with radio in hand and your arm supported by the table. Will an AX1/2 work ok with the bipod? Can the atu tune an AX1 on 40m without the extender coil!? Will also be super interested to see what sort of random wires it can tune, although I would probably lash the Kh1 to the bench for safety. 73 Steve MW0SAW

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It'll tune most any wire, but I doubt it would take the whip down to 40M without the AX coil for that. I've yet to officially try that, but I can't imagine it working.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Well...maybe with a very long counterpoise that's elevated? Hmmmm...

[@CommanderKeen4]

CW walkie-talkie 😊

[@tcort]

I'd like to see how well the internal ATU works with your 29.5' speaker wire antenna on all the bands the KH1 supports.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I did do this in a recent activation of Bakers Mountain. Check out the KH1 playlist on my channel and you'll see it!

[@Nostrildomus]

Well , the radio looks good . Does it offer a spell checker in the programing ? I'd call it uneek regardless . . . T/C/E

[@leeguitar5210]

Each to their own but I'd rather have an 817. At least that has all bands and costs less.

[@ssmith7163]

Also enjoyed your”Jubilation.” I don’t see any reason why one couldn’t go handheld while sitting at the table or on a rock. It really is a VERY minimal footprint style whic I like. Something you could easily EDC in your backpack too. TU TU DE WS0SWV

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

But is there a tiny light like there is on the KX1?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

SO FUNNY! That was the first thing I looked for when I got the KH1 specs. :) I wish it did. That' one of my favorite things about the KH1. I suppose someone will 3D print a logging tray with built in lamp.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I missed you on this one. but my buddy Pete WA2JMG did work you on the KH1. nice little rig! thanks for sharing. ed Ellis WA1RKS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Next time, OM! :)

[@Eidetiken]

Does the KH1 have tone control so the CW doesn't sound so tinny?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No, but I believe Elecraft is working on the sidetone sound.

[@ON6KE]

I see the base, the green part whereto the paddles are connected moving. Does not look very sturdy.

[@loyannmunyan1174]

Is this a cw only radio?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes it is. CW only and 5 bands.

[@mattmcconnell4814]

What does "MG?" mean? Perhaps I've misheard the code (I am very new to CW) but I believe you sent it twice after you bumped to VFO.

[@mattmcconnell4814]

I think I figured it out. You were asking a partially received callsign to retransmit?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes. I will simply send the part I heard and add a question mark after. "MG?"

[@mattmcconnell4814]

@ThomasK4SWL I've had my first successful CW QSO last week and am working towardsmy first CW POTA activation soon. Catch you on the air sometime. De VA3UMM

[@n8telyons]

Now if they could just incorporate built-in logging onto a micro-sd card somehow …

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It will have an internal logging mechanism that will store data internally. You have to use a USB cable to export it and build the log file, though.

[@n8telyons]

@@ThomasK4SWL I tell my kids: If you can think it, it’s already been done. Well, here’s the proof. An amazing time to be a ham.

[@kenwing6196]

Does it have Bluetooth for earbuds?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No Bluetooth inside. Bluetooth is very difficult to implement with CW radios because even the latest Bluetooth versions have enough latency that it makes the sidetone lag your sending. The IC-705 uses the latest BT version, but it can still be a bit odd to use. Your brain can pick up that slight latency pretty easily.

[@ct7aus]

So far I can only say that this transceiver sounds horrible both on RX and TX. The option for a square wave sidetone doesn't sit right with me. It might be "ok" if you're looking to operate this radio without earphones but still, I'd get tired quite soon. On the receive side, every video I've seen so far seems to show a quite saturated and distorted AF stage with strong signals. Pretty much what happened to the QCX without a the AGC addon. Still, from the video it seems there is in fact a fast AGC occurring so my guess it the audio stage is indeed distorting. I'd love to get my hands on a KH1 and hopefully prove myself wrong.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I’m under the impression Elecraft is working on the sidetone. Funny, but I really pay very little attention to sidetone characteristics as long as I can hear the sidetone. If I hear it, I’m good. The filter between my ears just accommodates it. This is why I rarely ever even change sidetone frequency on my radios and why they’re all different. You should check out some of my latest KH1 videos to get a better idea of audio--in those, I used an external recorder and even and external speaker. Sound much better.

[@ct7aus]

@@ThomasK4SWL Indeed Thomas, I just checked your latest video on the KH1 with the audio recorded through the line out and there are no issues. It seems the built-in speaker is the culprit (which is odd in my opinion, for the price of this rig). Yes, I'm guessing they opted for the square wave sidetone to make it clear when operating portable with all the noise possibly surrounding you. I'd say there is room for improvement, maybe an optional software switch between a sine and a triangular wave if one needs extra buzz. Thanks for the heads up!

[@loyannmunyan1174]

Is this a cow only radio?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's CW only, yes.

[@Andre-PY4DR]

"Please dear God... I speak to you right now seeking for wisdom and courage... Please help me not spend money that i cant spend now.... Amen" 😅

[@ThomasK4SWL]

HA HA HA!!!

[@pickinpastor9347]

does it say made in China on it somewhere? Rumor

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No. It is made (and designed) in the USA.

[@Ken-W1KAL]

Thomas - you need a strap on camera to wear on your head to video this rig.. 😊

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I know! Right?

[@RoelandJansen]

Is it me or what? Horrible sound, filtering and sidetone. Hope it's the recording

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yeah, as I mention, this is mostly the limitations of the internal speaker. It was never designed to handle the insane pileup I had. It's a "bonus" feature only. Check out my other KH1 videos where I use an external speaker and recorder.

[@johnpritchard5410]

Tidewater accent...

[@Dan-qp1el]

I just don't get it....

[@KB2CWN]

Over priced toy

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Keep in mind that the starting price for a KH1 is $550. That will get you a five band general CW radio with options you can grab later if you choose. Also keep in mind that this radio is both designed and manufactured in the United States. This is the cost of US labor, benefits and living wages. I like my money going to innovative companies that support domestic production. To each their own, though. We've so many cool products out there now. :) There's never been a better time to be a ham!

[@paulbyrne3328]

Not too impressed as you're next to a park bench. Would have been better if demo was conducted walking a trail or on SOTA

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So as I mention in the video and field report, I didn't have my logging tray yet, so logging without a support for my notepad would have been challenging. This is why I used the picnic table. I've an upcoming video where I use the logging tray completely pedestrian mobile.

[@KD2YDN]

Could have been the bands on this day, but you actually came in much clearer than normal. Usually I can’t get you at my QTH. Thanks Tom! 72! DE KD2YDN

[@waakca]

Maybe a strap under the radio to put your hand through might make it more comfortable and secure when holding it?

[@DPTrainor1]

Enjoyed the show! Nice pile up. Very cool radio! Dan de WA1QZX