[Elecraft] SWL Specifics for the KX1

[Bruce Prior]

The KX1, especially with the KXB30 installed, makes an excellent shortwave 
receiver with the bandpass filter at its widest setting.  Double sideband AM 
transmissions can be detected by zero-beating in LSB or USB modes.  If tuned 
to the 40 m band, reception is possible from 5.0 to 9.505 MHz; the 30 m band 
yields a range from 8.0 to 12.505 MHz; the 20 m band allows shortwave tuning 
from 12.0 to 16.505 MHz.  The firmware prevents accidental transmission 
outside of the amateur bands.

With the tiny optional 30 m module installed, the KX1 will receive the 49, 
39, 31, 25, 22 and 19 meter shortwave broadcast bands, with somewhat 
decreasing sensitivity the farther removed they are from the installed KX1 
amateur bands.  The broadcast allocations within the range of the KX1 with a 
KXB30 module installed are 49 m: 5.95-6.2 MHz; 39 m: 7.1-7.3 MHz (moving 
upward in 2009); 31 m: 9.5-9.9 MHz; 25 m: 11.65-11.975 MHz; 22 m: 13.6-13.8 
MHz; 19 m: 15.51-15.6 MHz.

Since most shortwave broadcast stations transmit on frequencies evenly 
divisible by 5 kHz, the very coarse 5 kHz/step tuning speed makes tuning 
them convenient.  To calibrate the steps properly in LSB or USB modes, begin 
in the finest tuning speed and tune until 0.00 or 5.00 is displayed, then 
push and hold the encoder knob until the decimal marker disappears.  The 
entire 4.505 MHz range can be covered in 11� rotations of the tuning encoder 
at 5 kHz/step tuning speed.

In addition to shortwave broadcasting, there's lots more to listen to 
outside of the amateur bands with the KX1.  For example, USB commercial 
aviation covering the Atlantic and/or Arctic Oceans can be heard on 5565, 
5598, 5616, 5649, 6535, 8825, 8861, 8864, 8879, 8891, 11 279, 11 291,
13 291, 13 315, and 13 357 kHz.  Caribbean USB aviation is on 5520, 5555, 
6577, 6586, 8846, 8918,  11 387, and 11 396 kHz.  Look for Pacific Ocean USB 
aviation on 5547, 5574, 5628, 5643, 6532, 6562, 8843, 8867, 10 048, 11 282, 
11 330, 11 384, 13 300, 13 336, and 13 354 kHz.  Time/frequency standard 
stations are on 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 MHz AM, so either LSB or USB will do.  
CHU Ottawa is on 7335 and 14 670 kHz USB.

73,

J. Bruce Prior N7RR
Kairos Research
853 Alder Street
Blaine, WA  98230-8030
360-332-6046

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