The Elecraft AX1: Can you really activate a park with this tiny antenna? Let's find out!

Click here to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com:
qrper.com/2021...
You'll notice I have no ads in my videos. If you'd like to directly support these videos, consider supporting me via our PayPal Coffee Fund or via Patreon. Note that both fall under the name of the SWLing Post which is a part of QRPer.com.
SWLing Post and QRPer on Patreon:
www.patreon.co...
Coffee Fund:
www.paypal.com...
Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL

[@johnratcliffe6438]

A club mate of mine worked Canada from Buckinghamshire, UK with his KX3 and that antenna. 59 SSB exchange. Incredible performance.

[@tommcmichael8679]

That is INSANE!!! Happy for you. What a nice way to spend some wait time and in such an unexpected surprise. I'm going have my AX1 watch this to learn how it is supposed to work!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Tell it, "No pressure, but Thomas' AX1 likes to make a fool of him when he claims it's 'compromised'." :) Ha ha!

[@WilliamParmley]

Just got back from a POTA activation and haven't watched this yet, but you're going to talk me into buying one of these, aren't you? ...... OK, watched it. THIS IS NUTS! Very impressive!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha ha! It is kind of wild, isn't it? Certainly an incredibly fun antenna! :)

[@randallhash9283]

These videos are great, Thomas…I’ve been a cw op for over 50 years..Field Day is my most favorite operating mode and POTA reminds me of FD…..Keep up the good work…de WB4BBF, Randall

[@thogevoll]

Hi Thomas, I just recently got an IC-705 to play with. Your videos have inspired me to want to get out and try my hand at activating parks in my area. I too am a Thomas here in Maryland 73, K3TH

[@k2wo1]

Great video Tom. I was reluctant to using the AX1 for an activation, but used it exclusively when I activated K-1834 in the Florida Keys last April and was amazed at how well it worked. I stuck to 20M CW. I'll have to try it on 40 M. Thanks again and keep up the great work. 73, George K2WO

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, George! I'm glad the AX1 served you well. It's awfully fun to use.

[@lpark8]

Thank you great video! Just signed up on Patreon to support. I have had no luck so far with my AX1 and KX2 combo. I am going to give it another shot. 🙏👍

[@ThomasK4SWL]

First of all, thank you so much for the support on Patreon! And, yes, give the KX2/AX1 combo a shot again. Sometimes, we have days where almost no antennas work. The app I'm using is HAMRS. I really like it. It has a few little quirks, but works great in general and exports a file in such a way that it meets POTA requirements (and SOTA!) which is very nice indeed. Cheers, Thomas

[@lpark8]

@@ThomasK4SWL great thank you!

[@adam-g7crq]

Magic 😁, I've looked at the AX1 in the past and thought surely that's way to small and inefficient thanks for showing it working ok, with the progression of cycle 25 that'll be another option for my portable radio play in my local pubs beer 🍻🍺 garden, cheers Tom

[@ThomasK4SWL]

For you, POTA might be "Pubs On The Air"--! Sign me up, sir! :) Oh how I miss living in the UK at times. Cheers, OM!

[@adam-g7crq]

@@ThomasK4SWL Pubs on the air, now thats a great thought, i'll have to have chat with the RSGB, could be a bit leg less by the end off the day :-)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@adam-g7crq :-) !!!

[@N4GW]

I am glad you did some SSB on that antenna

[@billcosgrave6232]

My very first HF rig was a KX2 and AX1 antenna. I think I will play with that combo this weekend.

[@jburchm1]

I recently ordered this identical setup, so I really enjoyed seeing the setup and how it works.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Warning: it's a fun combo! The KX2 is a brilliant radio.

[@BikingHikingRadio]

Very impressive antenna! Can't wait to see the video you hopefully made on 10/5 when we did the P2P with you using this antenna. I have resisted and did not order this antenna...yet!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

And it's that antenna I used to work you P2P OM! :)

[@stevewheatstone1856]

Hi Thomas, I have ordered the AX1 a couple of days ago, because it's looks beautifully made and would be nice to collect for my kx2. I really didn't have high expectations for it. I'm really surprised by all your contacts on 40m with the coil! Nice video. 73 from Wales MW0SAW

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Steve, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's a modest little antenna, but obviously is efficient enough to rack up contacts. The best part is how portable, lightweight and easy it is to deploy. 73! Thomas K4SWL /M0CYI

[@Lastaii]

That was a very impressive result, I really wasn't expecting the AX1 to be so effective on SSB at QRP levels. I'm incredibly jealous of your activation times, it's often taken me more then 2hrs to activate a park on this side of the pond, and that's after falling back to FT8! Guess I should get a move on and learn CW :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

CW does make a big difference if for no other reason than the RBN keeps your spot so fresh on the POTA spots page. I'd strongly encourage you to see if your POTA parks are also in the WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna) network. If so, announce your activations and spot yourself there as well The following in the UK and EU is much higher than POTA. That might give you the extra contacts needed for valid activations.

[@Lastaii]

@@ThomasK4SWL Yeah that's a good shout, looks like there's quite a bit of overlap between POTA and WWFF parks :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@Lastaii so the POTA team pretty much adopted all of the WWFF entities when they set up shop. In fact, many of the designators are identical. WWFF has been around much, much longer though and has a strong international following.

[@truckinguy92]

Just found one these for a great deal on eBay from a seller I’ve bought from before. Includes the, AX1, bipod, tripod adapter, 2 pairs of counterpoise wires (33’ & 13’), & all related materials. $260 to buy new, but paid $170. I hope it works as good on SSB as it did for you.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Well done!

[@kishascape]

These are great for local ops. I used a MagicWhip on the back of my mobile CB 10 years ago to talk around town with friends.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I worked Hungary with mine recently--video forthcoming. I've actually snagged impressive DX with it.

[@JayN4GO]

You weren’t kidding man! I wish more people used 40m in the day instead of 20. I hope you take this antenna along more often to see how it does in mediocre sfi. Just love the kx2 man. I see you do things I’ve not learned yet. Hehe. Tnx Tom

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, Jay! Yeah, 40 meters is truly the POTA band here in eastern NA, at least. I find that I usually get the bulk of my contacts on it. The most efficient band for SOTA seems to be 20 meters just because of its following in Europe and on the west coast. This radio stuff is awfully fun! 73!

[@JayN4GO]

@@ThomasK4SWL absolutely ! Glad to work you today!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@JayN4GO Yes! After I finished the activation was looking at the log book and then your callsign rang a bell! I've a difficult time putting names with calls-takes ages. :) Happy to put you in the logs. I was using the same setup as here, actually and dodging bands of rain.

[@edk6sdw600]

Like KE0OG, QST's new technical editor sez: a vertical is a vertical is a vertical....nothing magic about them. The ground wire(s) is as important as the vertical radiator 73/K6SDW

[@GearZenChannel]

I am currently getting set up with a Lab599 TX-500, an End Fed 10/20/40 Trail Friendly antenna, and a PSK Modem to try SOTA. It will give me a reason to hike some mountains this fall. Deciding between that and the KX2 was not an easy choice!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's never an easy choice to pick a transceiver--especially when both choices are excellent. Report back! Would love to know how you get on with the combo! The TX-500 is a great rig.

[@Steve_AI7SV]

KX2 AND AX1 My favorite setup for field ops. Thanks

[@mikemiles3068]

Thomas what case are you using for the AX1 I didn’t see it listed in the full details and equipment. Thanks KV5P

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Here you go! qrper.com/2021/02/maxpedition-fatty-my-choice-elecraft-ax1-antenna-case-pouch/

[@andrewwilliss6500]

Great Activation Thomas! I can’t help wonder how such an antenna would go on an Aussie Activation, with our smaller population and vast distances. I can’t wait to see how you go with the QCX-mini, I have one for 40 metres and it’s amazing! Andy, VK5LA

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That's a great question, Andrew. I think it might work well if you were activating a rare site, or something that would attract chasers. It would probably work well, for SOTA, for example. I know some Kiwi SOTA activators that use them as a backup. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@davidw3gzs55]

I have an AX-1 and it's easy to dismiss out of hand. It does work when the bands cooperate. Of course, the counterpoise config is important. I last used my KX2 and AX1 on the beach on Sullivan Island near Charleston. Because of beach traffic, I had to curl the counterpoise around my sitting area. (a compromise of a compromise) By the time I got a contact, a rogue wave forced me to move farther from the waterline. I assume you were not under a metal roof in this video. I recently saw a video with an Elecraft rep talking about the new AX-2. Search "new products from Elecraft" to find the video. Based on the results you had seen in this video, I need to try it more often rather than throwing up an EFHW out of habit.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm quickly realizing what you're mentioning here--the counterpoise is important. I think my luck on 20M (which has been pretty darn good--upcoming video on that) will improve when I switch out the counterpoise.

[@netboy0]

good video Thomas! Wonder if the AX1 can be tuned by the KX1 radio. I know its not mention in the Elecraft website but maybe is because the KX1 is not in production anymore. 73'

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So I've thought about this myself. My KX1 will soon be back from repair. I'll give it a go!

[@potaactivator]

Thomas, don't apologize. I like your videos precisely because they get to the point and don't mimic Madison avenue. Keep up the good work and producing good content. POTA on!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you, Bill. Very kind of you! And, yes! POTA ON! :)

[@kziadie]

Thomas. The AX1 will work on 30M with the extension but the switch needs to be put in the 15/17M position. 73, Kelly K3UQ

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you for that, Kelly!

[@haiduc32]

My first successful SOTA activation was kx2+ax1 SSB on 20M. Last SOTA attempt was a fail with 0 QSOs, but it was a good 10k hike.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Brilliant! The AX1 is almost always with me on SOTA activations as a backup, but I know it would do well on 20M as-is. So easy to set up. Glad you got a good hike in, OM!

[@Oscaro9928]

Hi Thomas, great video but the link to the article with more details is missing to click on.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Updated! Thank you so much for pointing that out!

[@roseangell6035]

Great to view at 0230. Which app did you indicate using please.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you! The application is called HAMRS. Here's a link to the main project page: www.hamrs.app/

[@billhughes5736]

Thanks for your video this morning, Thomas, although they can sometimes be a drain on my pocketbook. I have the KX1, KX2, and KX3. So this video finally convinced me to call Michelle at Elecraft this morning and order the AX1 plus the 40 meter coil and the connector to the radio. Question for you: where can I get the neat little case you use for the antenna, etc. Looked like I addition to holding your counter poise wires you may have another KX2 battery in there. I’m also watching your videos to improve my CW skills. Please keep them. Bill K6HB 73

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Oh dear, Bill. Sorry to be an enabler. :) Trust me, though, that AX1 is a lot of fun. Like you, I have the KX1, KX2, and KX3. The case is this one: qrper.com/2021/02/maxpedition-fatty-my-choice-elecraft-ax1-antenna-case-pouch/ There's plenty of room in there for a spare battery for sure. I just ordered a spare from Michelle, in fact. :) 73, OM! Thomas

[@billhughes5736]

Thanks for info on the case. Just ordered it for delivery Friday. Your videos really give me great insight into operating skills. Thanks.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@billhughes5736 thank you, Bill. This is a labor of love, so comments like your fuel me! :)

[@G0NMY]

Wow that little AX1 worked amazingly. You were getting some really good signal reports. Well impressed Thomas. thanks for the video. 73 Mark G0NMY

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I suspect in the UK you could work loads of countries with this little antenna. It's incredibly fun. 73 OM! Thomas M0CYI

[@DanielWiley]

Ordered, Waiting... Thanks Thomas!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's a lot of fun!

[@G0NMY]

I noticed that most of your contacts were to the North of your location, perhaps if you moved the counterpoise it would radiate in the direction it was lying on the ground? Just an idea, still very impressed with that AX1 even on SSB you get good reports.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I will (try to remember to) start moving the counterpoise on my vertical antenna deployments like this. Typically, I get so caught up in the moment, I don't think about it! I'm sure it has an effect, though.

[@Radio_Zombie]

Good stuff as always :) Thanks Thomas! I'm always worried about people attaching their antennas directly to their radios. For my world it puts way too much stress on the BNC connector in the radio. But I may be too worried about my stuff :) Stay save & 73

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That's actually a very valid concern. Fortunately, the AX1 was designed to keep stress off of the BNC port. With the little bi-pod feet, I bet it puts less stress on the port than RG-58. Using it in "HT mode" though, I would worry much more.

[@wayneburdick6735]

@@ThomasK4SWL Hi Thomas -- Thanks for the video! No need to worry about stress on the BNC. On both the KX2 and KX3, the BNC is attached directly to a rigid aluminum panel. The connection to the PCB is made via flexible wire. I use both rigs "HT style" and have never seen any sign of wear or damage. -- Wayne, N6KR

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@wayneburdick6735 thank you for your comment, OM. Noted! I'm plotting an HT style SSB SOTA activation soon with the KX2/AX1. Thats very good to know. Cheers, Thomas (K4SWL)

[@robertdyer440]

@@ThomasK4SWL de

[@barrykery1175]

That was pretty impressive for an antenna with very low efficiency compared to a simple resonant dipole. Barry, KU3X

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Indeed!

[@bmcosier]

Amazing you can create a pileup from 5 watts and such a small antenna! Are you doing the Oceania DX contest (CW) this weekend? Ben VK2JA

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I did not. In truth, I often miss contests because it's hard to make the dedicated time for them. Someday, just for the experience, I'd like to take a contest seriously and make a go of it.

[@bmcosier]

@@ThomasK4SWL I was on and off during the 24 hours. What a blast! I sent QRS heaps but was way better by the end. CW ops are usually very polite and some slowed down without me even asking. I am still learning and improving which is one reason I love your videos - keep up the good work!

[@davidouellette6833]

THAT'S AMAZING I WASN'T QUITE SURE OF WHAT I WAS WATCHING I'M GLAD PEOPLE STILL HAS THOSE SKILLS MORSE CODE A GREAT THING TO KNOW ESPECIALLY IN THESES TIMES T

[@royramdeen8864]

Thomas you should know by now that anything Elecraft makes is tested tried and true. That's why we pay soo much for it. I can get both the KX2 and the AX1 in the Lowepro CS-60. Enjoyable Activation...

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I agree completely! Their engineering is second to none.

[@royramdeen8864]

@@ThomasK4SWLThomas keep doing what you do so well and enjoy. I look so forward when you post... time well spent. Thank you so much...

[@F6FLQ]

I'm in love with your "real time" videos Thomas...like many others, they help me to go back to cw.. About the AX1 did you see this incredible video to make it work without a tuner ...but with a tiny capacity hat ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXaVdqeMrJ6fntE

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes! I did see this recently. I like Linus' videos. I'm planning to build a capacity hat, too. It's a very clever and very simple way to match impedance. Merci!

[@marcoberta2914]

Wery Good Thomas

[@carolannefisher1516]

Hi Thomas… I noticed that you didn’t change your counterpoise when you shifted to 20M. Does that matter much? -N0RNM

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No. Not for 20 meters. The ATU sorts that out. I do normally change it for 17 meters, though.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

OK, to give you a more complete answer, I think if you do switch out the counterpoise, 20 meters is resonant. So that may be a very good reason to do that. I'm usually too lazy to do that, so I just press the ATU button. Ha ha! :) Good question, Carolanne!

[@scottbelcher9026]

Very very interesting!!!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Do you need to change the counterpoise when changing bands?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No--not really. I think it might make a difference on 17, but the ATU can sort out the difference.

[@davidryeburn4010]

@@ThomasK4SWL You weren't doing as well on 20 m as you were on 40 m. Your counterpoise was about 1/4 wave on 40 but 1/2 wave on 20. I wonder if a 16 ft counterpoise would have made for better results on 20? You might try it some time. Could put the two wires, 16 ft and 32 ft, in parallel for the counterpoise hookup, like the wires on one side of a fan dipole. If there's room for 32 ft there's certainly room for 16 ft. David VE7EZM and AF7BZ

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@davidryeburn4010 good point. So the AX1 comes with a 17' counterpoise for 20/17M. I was just too lazy to switch it out, but I probably should have. I just let the ATU sort out the match. I did find out post-activation that 20M was pretty dead, propagation wise. Thank you for your reply!

[@davidryeburn4010]

@@ThomasK4SWL My point is not that the match will be easier (the antenna tuners in the KX series radios can match nearly anything) but that the radiation efficiency might be a lot better with a decent counterpoise. The current flowing in the counterpoise system isn't just doing nothing! David VE7EZM and AF7BZ

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@davidryeburn4010 I understood your very good point! :) Yes, it would have been better had I traded out the counterpoise.

[@davidfogel4578]

Thomas, I really enjoy your videos. I was wondering what the AX1 antenna could do in the field and now I know 😃 Dave KE6EX

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That little antenna works better than I would have ever expected. 73 Thomas K4SWL

[@VictorDenisov]

What speed are you sending at?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I think the KX2 is set to 17 or 18 WPM. That's, at least, where I try to keep it.

[@dennispeake1877]

Thomas, I wish you would use a "BLACK PEN" instead of a pencil to see what you write. It does not come out clear, in the video. Thanks for all your videos enjoy CW. 73 ..

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Noted--I will definitely consider this!

[@yrath5034]

Do you pay for all these toys yourself Thomas? Are you married, could you please do a video on techniques to use in order to sneak these incoming deliveries past your significant other ;-)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I paid for the AX1 myself, yes. :) I don't pay for everything, though...some antennas are sent to me, for example, at no charge for evaluation. The great thing about the AX1 is it's SO small, it's easy to sneak past the XYL! :)

[@GearZenChannel]

@@ThomasK4SWL What, that thing? I've had that for YEARS!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@GearZenChannel ha ha ha!!!! "Honey, you were with me when I bought it. Don't you remember?"

[@timlewis2068]

My trick was to get the XYL licensed. We took the tech exam at the same time and got sequential callsigns. She enjoys participating in the local ARES due to the access to parades and also having the best seat in the house for the 4th of July. Makes ordering gear much easier if the XYL is on board. Granted, it's a tough trick to pull off, but the payoff is worth the effort. I just ordered this antenna today. Looking forward to doing some pota activations this summer. KE8RXQ

[@roverrich]

Great video as usual! I hope to work you "live" on video some time to hear what I actually sound like! DE KQ9L

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes indeed! I hope to put you in the logs soon!

[@roverrich]

@@ThomasK4SWL You have on 30m, just not on video, I think you said your phone died during that activation ha ha!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@roverrich that happens more than I would like to admit! :)

[@WKMG365]

Amazing what you can do with that antenna. Great video. Mat - K4OCY

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks!