[Elecraft] my KX2 experience and a minor structural issue

[na5n at zianet.com]

Chris Tate - N6WM writes:
> I was on a windy beach, and the fine sand seems to have gotten into the KX2 via a gap in the front plastic display cover that will require me to disassemble to clean up. 

I used my KX2 and a tuned inverted vee for the NM QSO Party, setup portable  
on a county line in the NM desert.  The wind was awful that day, 35+ mph.   
I experienced the same - noticed dust and grit inside the plastic display  
cover when I got home.  I had not experienced that before on my other  
portable operations.  Fortunately, the cover was easy to remove to clean  
(thanks Elecraft for putting the mounting screws on the OUTSIDE of the  
rig!).  Your idea of a small gasket is a good one.

I also agree with you on the KX2 performance.  I've used mine for the  
above, QRPTTF, and a couple other outings and had no problem working coast- 
to-coast from NM with a tuned antenna.  I know that's hard to do for many  
SOTA type operations and the ATU does a great job for good performance on  
certain types of antennas.  But, using a tuned antenna does take the KX2 up  
a notch, in my opinion.

When in the submarine service years ago, stationed at Pearl Harbor, I  
participated in a couple of Field Days.  We struggled to work the mainland  
with 100W (especially at night on 40M).  Vacuum tube gear in those days.   
The difference today with QRP is the huge leap in receiver technology, such  
as seen with the SDR in the KX2.

GL getting yours cleaned.  Clean clear plastic with a moist rag, then buff  
clean to avoid scratches.

72, Paul NA5N