[Elecraft] KX1 #01638 is alive

[thomaskd at rcn.com]

Elecraft KX1 #01638 is up and running.  Some basic testing of the 20M and 40M bands into a watt meter show that I am getting the expected 3-4 watts out.  I will do more testing once I get the ATU built and installed.

The build went great and there were no real problems except that I put one cap in wrong (swapped a 103 for a 104) but when I found it later, it turned out to be about the easiest one that could be changed.  I got lucky there.  The directions were easy to follow and I like the tests that verify my work.  

I fired it up this morning and listened to some of the mayhem that is CQWW  DX this weekend.  (When it slows down tomorrow I might try to make some contacts with the KX1).  Then I moved up the band and listened to some SSB.  With just a short piece of wire tossed out the first floor window across the deck I was able to hear a mobile station in the UK chatting with a guy in North Carolina.  Then I moved further up the band and listened to Radio Sweden!  This thing is going to be great.

I was thinking of getting the 30M/80M board for Christmas.  I am not sure that I will wait that long.

I really enjoyed the build process and am afraid if I try the K2 that a neighbor owns, I will be building one of those soon as well.

73 and see you on the air. 

Keith KB3ILS