[Elecraft] KX3 whip antenna and paddle

[Rick Dettinger]

I tried responding to the post that Wayne sent on the KX3 whip  
antenna, and it bounced, so I am sending a new post.

I am wondering if this type of whip antenna is entirely supported by  
the BNC antenna connector?  It seems like that would put an unfair  
strain on the poor little jack!
Also, it would be interesting to know the lowest band that you have  
had successful contacts on.  The concept of a totally self contained  
HF rig is one that I have long been interested in.  But, I never  
really thought that it could be done, due to antenna considerations.   
Someone brought up the question of the bolt on paddles being worth the  
price.  I think that the answer is yes, since that is part of the  
station integration, though it looks like the KX3 might easily accept  
a home brew paddle or an adaption of a commercial one.  I haven't been  
able to do that with my K1, due to the jack being located on the rear  
panel.
I am looking forward to seeing typical measurements of the rig  
performance, either by Elecraft or others.

73,
Rick  K7MW



On Dec 28, 2011, at 12:25 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> We've had some questions about the whip antenna shown in the KX3 data-
> sheet photo. It's a Maldol AH-C14 20-meter loading coil and AH-R
> telescoping whip. Total length is about 48 inches.
>
> I've made QSOs of up to 3000 miles using this type of whip, handheld,
> while walking with the KX1 and dragging a 13' counterpoise wire. It's
> a very compact emergency antenna, with two parts that disassemble and
> have a max length of just over 7".
>