Elecraft KX2 transceiver

Apart from a few disadvantages this looks a fine choice for HF. It is very small, it has a good RX and can produce 10W and could even be used handheld.

But....

• The internal batteries have to be removed to charge.
• It does not cover 160m or 6m.
• It is expensive in the UK, but has a 2 year warranty and good technical support.
• The internal auto-ATU is extra.
• It does not have an SDR display.
• No 2m or 70cm.

I quite expect Elecraft to come out with a Mk2  which allows charging in situ of the internal batteries. One thing is certain: if I was to buy one then this Mk2 version would be released the very next day!

See https://elecraft.com/

New radio - later

As you may recall, I was thinking about investing in either a KX2, FT991A or IC7300. At the moment, the IC7300 is the favourite, although I am still expecting the price of this rig to drop next year, despite the exchange rate.

To me, if the FT891 and FT450D are much lower priced, then so should be the IC7300, which has a much less complicated RX architecture.

At the moment, I am in no great hurry. Once the FT991A starts to make inroads, the IC7300 price will drop. Sub-£1000 is definitely likely in my view It is only at the current price because people are prepared to buy it at the current price.

At their present prices most users can't see a real difference between the IC7300 and the FT991A. OK one has 4m (IC7300) and one has 2m and 70cm (FT991A), but to the end user, the architectural differences mean nothing.

KX2 review

Southgate News has a link to a nice review of the Elecraft KX2 transceiver. The KX2 is smaller than the KX3 but is ideal for QRP portable use with a wide range internal ATU and an internal Li-Ion battery pack. Both these are extras and not in the basic price. Sadly the case has to be opened to charge the battery.

See http://swling.com/blog/2016/12/a-review-of-the-elecraft-kx2-general-coverage-qrp-transceiver/

Elecraft KX2

Elecraft has announced a new SDR based QRP rig covering 80-10m (not 160m and 6m) which is available ready-built only. It is considerably smaller than the KX3. It can house an internal ATU and LiIon battery and can produce up to 10W. I have no idea how good the RX is. It is likely to be considerably less to buy than the KX3.

See www.elecraft.com .