KX1 Ultra-Portable CW Transceiver Kit 

Now up to 4 bands (80, 40, 30 & 20 M) with our KXB3080 Option!

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KX1

Click to Enlarge

 N7BPT says: My 5 year old daughter JJ loves the KX1. It's just the right size... I may have to get her a KX1 of her own so I can have mine back! 

An HF Rig You Really Can Take Anywhere!

The Elecraft KX1 is a backpacker's dream: an ultra-light, multi-band CW station with internal battery and automatic antenna tuner. But it's also the perfect rig for shorter hikes, emergency use, and just plain fun. The top-mounted controls and plug-in paddle are ideal for beach chair, picnic table, or trail-side operation. You can use the KX1 standing up, or even while relaxing in bed. (Tired of your paperback? Turn on the logbook lamp and work some night-time DX!) 

The 4-band KX1 — with internal automatic antenna tuner, internal batteries, and clip-on keyer paddle — represents a new level of integration in QRP transceivers. The enclosure measures just 1.2 x 3 x 5.3 inches (3 x 7.5 x 13 cm), and the transceiver weighs just 9 ounces (11 ounces with both the optional ATU and keyer paddle installed).

“Big-Rig” Features, Operating Convenience

The KX1 includes a superhet receiver with variable-passband crystal filter, RIT, S-meter, DDS VFO w/3 tuning rates, 3-digit display, memory keyer, battery voltage monitor, and a 1 to 4-watt transmitter with full QSK. The VFO covers the full 20 and 40 meter ham bands, with receive-only tuning of nearby SWL segments. 30 and 80 meters are available as options. (See our KXB30 and KXB3080 options.)

 

KXB3080 Option Adds 30 M + 80 M and Wide Band RX Coverage

With the introduction of the KXB3080 option, the KX1 now covers up to four bands. The dual-band KXB3080 module, covering 80 and 30 meters, is installed in the same location as the 30-meter option (KXB30). 

With the KXB3080 installed, the rig’s DDS VFO allows reception from 1.0 to 16.5 MHz, which includes many popular shortwave broadcast bands. While signals far outside the ham bands are slightly attenuated, it is still possible to copy strong stations even in the commercial AM broadcast band. The KX1 transmits only in CW mode, but can receive SSB and AM signals, thanks to its variable-passband crystal filter.

KX1 revision 1.02 firmware is included at no charge with the KXB3080 option (and is included with all KX1s shipped after Feb. 7, 2006. S/N 1373 and later) . The new firmware also adds a scanning feature, useful for monitoring quiet bands. Scanning proceeds in “live” (un-muted) fashion, allowing the operator to hear even very weak stations. In emergency situations, scanning could help the operator find a strong local station they could contact even with weak batteries or an inefficient antenna.

 

Low Current Drain Extends Operating Time

The KX1 is highly efficient, drawing typically 34 mA on receive. The LED display adds only 1 to 2 mA in low to moderate lighting conditions. (VFO frequency and switch presses can also be announced in audio Morse code.) Thanks to the low current drain, you can operate casually for some 20 to 30 hours from internal batteries at the 1 to 2 watt level.

 

Integrated Options Reduce Station Weight

With the KXAT1 ATU option installed, you can use a lightweight random-wire antenna, in many cases eliminating coax, poles, and loading coils. The KXPD1 paddle option weighs just 1 oz. and is reversible for left-/right-handed use.

Easy to Build and Align 

The basic KX1 kit uses a single printed circuit board. Assembly is easy thanks to the use of through-hole (leaded) components—the few surface-mount components used are professionally pre-installed. The KX1 can be aligned and tested using nothing more than a digital multimeter and on-air signals.

Comprehensive Assembly and User Manual

Our illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions include modular assembly and check out of each control, receive and transmit stage. Extensive theory of operation and troubleshooting sections are also provided.

Strong Customer Support 

Our technical support via telephone and the Internet will get your KX1 up and running quickly. On-line manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and our very active user group email list make building the KX1 a great experience

 

KXB3080 Installation Service

Many of you know Don Wilhelm, W3FPR. Even if you don't know him personally, you may have benefited from one of his many postings to our reflector. Don's an expert on our product line, and we consider him an honorary (if not official) member of the Elecraft support staff.

With this in mind, we've asked Don to specialize in the KX1, and the new KXB3080 option in particular. The 4-band KX1's high level of integration can be challenging for some builders.

Don will install a KXB3080 kit for $39, plus $10 to cover the cost of pre-wound toroids, and $16 for insured return shipping. If you're interested in this or other KX1-related work, please contact him at don@w3fpr.com. All arrangements should be made with Don, directly, rather than through Elecraft.

While Don comes highly recommended, there are many other qualified builders for hire listed on our web site. See:   http://www.elecraft.com/k2_builders.htm 

Again, please send all questions or inquiries regarding the above offer to Don.

 

 KX1 Pictures (Click to enlarge)

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KX1 PCB - Top Side

(The three SMD components are pre-mounted at the factory.)

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KXAT1 and KXPD1 Options

 

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KX1 Internal Battery Holder (Included with KX1)

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KXPD1 Paddle

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KXAT1 Internal ATU

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KXB3080 Option (SMDs Are Pre-Installed by Elecraft)