[Elecraft] KX-1: Help working stations like VP6DX

[Neil]

Been away from ham radio for 40 or so years, so technique is
a black hole. I could us some basic advice. I'd hoped to
work VP6DX but couldn't quite pull it off. What would be
you're advice next time such an opportunity rolls around?

Givens: KX-1 + ~70' long wire, 45 ft. up. External homebrew
tuner. Also available, a good general coverage rcvr.

Scenario: Heard VP6DX calling/responding many times, CW, on
40M @ 7002.5. Their site lists their listening freq. as +
25. (At least that's what I think the table here means:
http://ducie2008.dl1mgb.com/operating/frequencies/index.php)
Also think I heard hams calling VP6DX on other freqs.
including on their xmit freq. I'm a general class, so
couldn't operate down there.

So...
1. If I want to call 25kHz up, and the KX-1 RIT range is
~+/- 6kHz, what's be best way to jump back and forth given
that constraint? Should I be using the priority freq. memory
function, and try to switch back and forth fast enough to
establish a contact? At the rate the QSOs were taking place,
switching that way seems cumbersome.

2. Would I be better using the second rcvr to listen, and
the KX-1 only to transmit? But then I need to build a TR
switch, and I'm not sure how to best get a transmit control
signal from the KX-1. Also how would I operate portably
without the extra recvr... my main interest?

Rather than go on suggesting other options, I think you get
the gist--I need some best practices advice. WWW links to
references most welcome. I also realized, too late, that
I'll need to use the memory keyer function if I'm going to
jump into the kind of soup I heard VP6DX stir up.

Thanks very much,
Neil KI6HJS

Neil Murphy
www.ghostdog.com