[Elecraft] SWL with KX1

[Phil Wheeler]

First, I appologize for not having as yet any quantitative comparisons 
to my SWL receivers.  A minor point, but none of them have BNC 
connectors.  So my assessment is pretty qualitative.  More will follow.

I've spent three evenings listening (casually, while doing other things) 
to a variety of stations on 31 meters using my 30 m dipole.  Lots of 
audio (no surprise).  Audio quality is very nice with filter set to full 
width .. better than I expected.  Both usb and lsb are good.  And that 
brings up a major point: One of the high-end features of pricy SWL 
receivers is "synchronous detection" which simply means you can listen 
to ether the upper or lower sideband.  This feature is inherent in the 
KX1 design.

When I get more serious with this comparison, I expect the following:

o SWL receivers will be more sensitive with very short antennas (4-6 ft)
o The KX1 will hold its own on any antenna capable of ham ops (e.g. 20 
ft wire)
o SWL receivers will overload on such antennas (all but the best of them)
o The KX1 will show much better selectivity (e.g., rejection of that 
station 5 KHz away)
o SWL receivers will work much better on LW/MW/FM bands (not tunable 
with the KX1)

Soon I will test the KX1 and several SWL receivers (Sony ICF SW-100, 
Sangean ATS-909, etc.) and the KX1 with the sort of antenna I use when 
backpacking and in European hotels: Reel-type antennas in the 8-16 ft 
range.  Whatever the results, the KX1 will be with me in the Sierras 
(Yosemite and Mammoth) in Feb and in Greece in May.  The very best SWL 
receivers are not great for making CW contacts :-)

73, Phil