[Elecraft] AX1 works great

[Bill Johnson]

John.
Loved your email.  I would take severe criticism of 5 minute setup you mentioned.  I really think with wrapped counterpoise connected to radio with limp wire, you could approach 1minute or less to transmit.  :-)
Bill
K9YEQ

Bill
K9YEQ
________________________________
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Kitchens, John, NS6X (SM, SB) via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 10:47:45 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] AX1 works great

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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