[Elecraft] AX1 works great

[Hank Blackwood]

I know I have posted this before, but to make a point about the AX1, I made a SSB contact on 20 meters with a station in France from a SOTA location in NW Georgia using a KX3 running 12 watts. The AX1 was connected directly to the rig and a counterpoise wire connected to a thumbscrew on the KX3 that was thrown over the “cliff” edge hanging straight down in free space.  I got a 57 signal report and a QSL card to boot from France. 

I was on a hill top, but that’s my use case for the  AX1. 

I have activated many a summit and park with the little setup.  When I have a tree a random wire sometimes works better, but I don’t always have trees on summits. 

My $0.02,
Hank
K4HYJ

> On Oct 1, 2024, at 1:48 PM, Kitchens, John, NS6X (SM, SB) via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> What brought up this discussion was a comment about needing to make the AX1 resonant. It is a 4' antenna, and by itself, won't be resonant on 15-40. It was not intended to be a resonant antenna. The internal "tuners" - impedance matching devices - of the KX2, KX3 and KH1 allow max energy to be input into the antenna - 5-12 watts. Using the system as factory delivered, I have had great success with the AX1 and the KH1 whip. The internal "tuner" matches the antenna, allows full radio power out and receive energy in. I connect the antenna directly to the radios, push the tune button, get the 1.1:1 match almost always and make contacts. The QSOs are sufficient to activate parks, which has been my goal. I am able to accomplish my goal without putting the AX1 or whip on a tripod, using multiple radials/counterpoises, or using coax. I can setup the radio in less than 5 minutes, spot myself and usually complete the activation in less than 30 minutes (usually, if the sun is cooperatin
> g), and teardown in about 2 minutes. I use an external battery.
> Of course the AX1 is not going to be resonant as presented from the factory, when measured with an analyzer. It is a 4' collapsible whip, with one 13' or 31' counterpoise. Use the internal tuner, attach the antenna to the radio, and have fun. It is about having fun. One of the local hams has fun using random metal objects as antennas. He tuned his antenna, a toaster oven, sliding the tray in and out. He loaded a floor lamp, a screen door, a metal fence - and made QSOs with all of them. Someone mentioned Kurt N. Sterba (and Lil Paddle). They debunked many basic philosophies held for years by hams - tribal knowledge. Ham radio is about having fun. Just have fun. The KX-2/3, KH-1and the AX1/2 help to make ham radio fun.
> 
> 
> 72/73
> 
> John Kitchens, NS6X
> 805.216.2569
> NS6X at arrl.org
> PO Box 178
> Somis, CA  93066
> ARRL Santa Barbara Section Manager
> 
> 
> 
> 
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