[Elecraft] KX1 30m module - Hand capacitance effect?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Martin, VA3SIE asked:

I noticed last night that if I am listening to 30m and
I place my hand on the case of the KX1 (anywhere on
the
case but especially over the 30m module), that the
signals get a bit quieter.

I'm wondering if it's a capacitive effect since the
30m module components are separated from the case
by only a thin rubber foot...

I have 26ft wire connected as an antenna and about
15ft
as a counterpoise.

I wondered if the 30m module wasn't grounded properly
but I don't suppose it would work at all if the ground
wire was broken (mind you if I remember correctly
there
are two ground hookups - maybe one has given out).

Can someone else with a KX1 confirm this behaviour?

It doesn't happen on 20m/40m.

---------------------------------

I'd suspect you are detuning your antenna by touching the case. A 15 foot
'counterpoise' isn't an especially effective ground, so adding your body
capacity often has a significant effect. If you were running high power, you
might complain that the rig 'bites' with RF when you touch it while
transmitting.

Those effects are very frequency-dependent, which is why you only notice it
on one band.

Ron AC7AC