[Elecraft] Re: [HFpack] KX1 Backpacking

[Rick Hampton]

Hi, Paul.

Hmmm... I hadn't thought about the need for a lanyard.  After a little bit of experimenting, I found that a crimp-style ring (lug, or what ever you
want to call it) connector under one of the case thumbscrews makes a good attachment point for some small cord.  It's pretty easy to roll your own
this way.

As for the KXPD1 paddle working loose after a while, yeah, I've noticed this too.  After a few minutes of operating, my thumbscrew works loose and
then the torque from pressing the paddles, small though it is, uses the thumbscrew as a lever and begins pushing against the stereo jack for the
paddles.  The internal pieces of the jack in my radio are now so loose, it has become somewhat erratic.  :-(  I had to use the pushbuttons to finish
one QSO before I figured out exactly what was happening.  I don't have any problems with an external key, since there isn't any pressure from the
cable, but using the KXPD1 paddles is troublesome after a few minutes of usage.

I think the best long-term solution would be to add a second thumbscrew in the paddle kit and put another threaded insert in the case below the
jack, where there is plenty of room for one.  (Or maybe not.  It might interfere with installing/removing the main board.)  Two secure attachment
points would prevent the small paddle pressure from loosening the one thumbscrew and prevent applying torque to the jack even if both became loose.
Is this a huge issue?  No, in the overall scheme of things it's pretty small, but I think it's something to consider as a refinement.  I'd know I'd
be willing to pay the few extra bucks it might cost.  In my case, since I don't have a machine shop, I'll have to see if I can think of something
else to help.

It's still the most fun radio I've ever owned!

Rick Hampton, WD8KEL

w0rw@aol.com wrote:

> Well, i got to do some backing above Evergreen, Colorado, in the snow today.
> 18157.5 was clobbered by off freq SSB stations so i pulled out the KX1.
> i have tried using a real back pack with a whip on it and remote keying with
> fixed freq but that is not too convenient.
> So i just stuck my 8 foot whip through the shoulder hole of my down vest and
> the base of the whip into my pocket. Ran a clip lead to the KX1 and held the
> KX1 in my left hand, keying with my right hand. (i only dropped it once, 3 feet
> onto a rock.
> It needs a safety lanyard). i was using a 12 foot drag wire for grounding on
> 20 meters. i worked K2TG and W0AV right away, some other mobile in AZ too.
> i was using my internal 14V Nicad batteries and they lasted 3 hours.
> It has the internal antenna tuner of course. 3W, SWR 1.3.
> 30 wpm is a little hard while hiking but 25 wpm is pretty easy even with that
> funny iambic paddle. The paddle gets loose after a few miles.
> It really helps having the rig in your hand for changing frequencies and
> sending speeds, etc.
> i will be out again on 7 Feb for FYBO around 14060 kHz.
> 72 de
> w0rw/pm
> Paul