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KX-1 80M Question

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KX-1 80M Question

I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
and had a few questions first:

What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
are easier at QRP)

My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?

Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
which avoids High-Z on these bands)

73, Jay

W6CJ

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Bob Cutter-2

Re: KX-1 80M Question

I have had 80-20 on my KX1 for several years of operating portable. These were in HI, ON, VE9 and SOTA using a long wire, counter poise and builtin tuner. A truly great rig, however I doubt I have made more than a half dozen Q's on 80.

If I were to do it again I would not install 80.

72, Bob KIØG

> On Mar 16, 2015, at 12:03 PM, "J" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I'm considering replacing the 30M
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Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by J

I have a KX1 with 80/30 and I very rarely use it. In fact, I probably could have
done just fine without ever having an 80 meter capability with the KX1.

Primarily, I use the KX1 in portable QRP operations and in that scenario, 80
meters is harder to do because of the need for a better antenna then I typically
put up. But, 30 and 20 meters are quite viable for QRP work with the KX1.

I have used my 80 meter capability for only one kind of contact and that is a
couple of times I would QNI into a CW net with QRP power. But, that was sort
of just to use the newer 80 meter capability installed on my KX1. Today,
I have done that using my KX3 so the KX1 80 meter
capability will likely be unused from now on even though
I have only had 80 meters on the KX1 since last year.

If you have no great need for 80 meters such as joining some kind of scheduled
net, I strongly suggest that you forget 80 meters for the KX1 especially when
operating portable and definitely if you are operating from a hotel balcony.

As for antennas, consider getting a Buddipole or Buddistick. I have the Buddistick
and have used it successfully but never on 80 meters.

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Mar 16, 2015, at 10:03 AM, J <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
> and had a few questions first:
>
>
>
> What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
> antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
> are easier at QRP)
>
>
>
> My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
>
>
>
> Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
> load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
> which avoids High-Z on these bands)
>
>
>
> 73, Jay
>
> W6CJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX-1 80M Question

Jay,

I agree with Phil (the other Phil below!). My
first KX1, built in 2003 or 2004, had 20/30/40. My
current one has all four bands. 80 m has never
seemed a great QRP band for me, mainly due to the
antenna issues.

The KXAT1 *will* tune 80 m; there may be a mod you
do to it while adding the 3080 module to make that
feasible, not sure but the 3080 module
instructions should tell you.

Another plus of adding 3080 is in receiving 80 m
and other non-ham frequencies, if you use the KX1
that way.

Personally, if you have a KX1 with the original 30
meter module added I see no great benefit in
adding the 3080 option in place of the 30 m module
-- unless you have special interest in operating
80 meters.

73, Phil W7OX

On 3/16/15 11:10 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> I have a KX1 with 80/30 and I very rarely use it. In fact, I probably could have
> done just fine without ever having an 80 meter capability with the KX1.
>
> Primarily, I use the KX1 in portable QRP operations and in that scenario, 80
> meters is harder to do because of the need for a better antenna then I typically
> put up. But, 30 and 20 meters are quite viable for QRP work with the KX1.
>
> I have used my 80 meter capability for only one kind of contact and that is a
> couple of times I would QNI into a CW net with QRP power. But, that was sort
> of just to use the newer 80 meter capability installed on my KX1. Today,
> I have done that using my KX3 so the KX1 80 meter
> capability will likely be unused from now on even though
> I have only had 80 meters on the KX1 since last year.
>
> If you have no great need for 80 meters such as joining some kind of scheduled
> net, I strongly suggest that you forget 80 meters for the KX1 especially when
> operating portable and definitely if you are operating from a hotel balcony.
>
> As for antennas, consider getting a Buddipole or Buddistick. I have the Buddistick
> and have used it successfully but never on 80 meters.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
>
>> On Mar 16, 2015, at 10:03 AM, J <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
>> and had a few questions first:
>>
>>
>>
>> What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
>> antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
>> are easier at QRP)
>>
>>
>>
>> My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
>>
>>
>>
>> Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
>> load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
>> which avoids High-Z on these bands)
>>
>>
>>
>> 73, Jay
>>
>> W6CJ

Ross Primrose

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by J

Working portable from MT I worked a KL and a bunch of east coast
stations one evening on 80m SSB with 5W into a horizontal end-fed
half-wave at about 20'. I'm sure it wasn't armchair copy for any of
them, but it's definitely doable. From my home QTH in VA, I've completed
WAS on 80m SSB with 5W, but that was with a combination of a 160m
horizontal loop at 35' and a full-sized 80m wire vertical over 56 75'
radials. YMMV ;)

73, Ross N4RP

On 3/16/2015 1:03 PM, J wrote:

> I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
> and had a few questions first:
>
>
>
> What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
> antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
> are easier at QRP)
>
>
>
> My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
>
>
>
> Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
> load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
> which avoids High-Z on these bands)
>
>
>
> 73, Jay
>
> W6CJ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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ktalbott

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by J

I rarely work 80m BUT late at night in the woods I often tune up and down 80
for my listening enjoyment.
Ken - ke4rg
<snip>
Subject: [Elecraft] KX-1 80M Question
I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
and had a few questions first:
What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
are easier at QRP)
My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
which avoids High-Z on these bands)
73, Jay
W6CJ

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Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

Ross, I live up in the northwest (Seattle area) and I think there is an 8-lane freeway between the Northwest states (Washington, Idaho, Montana at least) and Alaska. I have had great signal reports with QRP power (on 20 meters) into KL land and some of those with portable antenna (one on a Buddistick).

I am working on my own WAS/KX3 barefoot CW only and I don't have Virginia yet. If I don't get a VA contact in the next several months I might hunt you down for a schedule :-).

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Mar 16, 2015, at 12:32 PM, Ross Primrose <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Working portable from MT I worked a KL and a bunch of east coast stations one evening on 80m SSB with 5W into a horizontal end-fed half-wave at about 20'. I'm sure it wasn't armchair copy for any of them, but it's definitely doable. From my home QTH in VA, I've completed WAS on 80m SSB with 5W, but that was with a combination of a 160m horizontal loop at 35' and a full-sized 80m wire vertical over 56 75' radials. YMMV ;)
>
> 73, Ross N4RP
>
> On 3/16/2015 1:03 PM, J wrote:
>> I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
>> and had a few questions first:
>>
>>
>> What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
>> antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
>> are easier at QRP)
>>
>>
>> My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
>>
>>
>> Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
>> load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
>> which avoids High-Z on these bands)
>>
>>
>> 73, Jay
>>
>> W6CJ
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
> --
> FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by ktalbott

An excellent reason to have 80 in a KX3, and you
can listen to sideband as well as CW.

Phil W7OX

On 3/16/15 1:40 PM, Kenneth Talbott wrote:

> I rarely work 80m BUT late at night in the woods I often tune up and down 80
> for my listening enjoyment.
> Ken - ke4rg
> <snip>
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX-1 80M Question
> I'm considering replacing the 30M module in my KX-1 with a 30/80M module,
> and had a few questions first:
> What chances of contacts with 4 watts on 80M. using a typical end-fed
> antenna suspended from a tree or hotel balcony? (Seems like higher bands
> are easier at QRP)
> My KX-1 has the KXAT-1 ATU. Will the KXAT-1 also attempt a match on 80M?
> Has anyone had success with ONE antenna and counterpoise length that will
> load properly on 80/40/30/20 using the KX-1/KXAT-1? (I'm thinking a length
> which avoids High-Z on these bands)
> 73, Jay
> W6CJ

k6dgw

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

On 3/16/2015 11:10 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> I have a KX1 with 80/30 and I very rarely use it. In fact, I probably could have
> done just fine without ever having an 80 meter capability with the KX1.

I have 20-30-40 and would never use 80 with the KX1. I really can't
imagine getting 3W with a compromise antenna any farther than the road,
maybe 700 ft out front of our place.
>
> As for antennas, consider getting a Buddipole or Buddistick. I have the Buddistick
> and have used it successfully but never on 80 meters.

I had a BP for quite awhile. It's a good antenna, but basically has two
configurations despite the photos and diagrams in the literature:
Horizontal and Vertical. Horizontal, it's an OCF loaded dipole and
except for 12 and 10, is too low at any achievable height. I tried an
extension mast made from copper water pipe, but with the stock tripod,
it became top heavy and blew over in the lightest of winds.

I had my best results as a center-ish loaded vertical ground plane. I
ultimately got three of the 9' telescoping whips, used one for the
radiator and two for two drooping radials. Didn't need loading on 10
and 12 meters. Unfortunately, on SOTA summits, verticals tend to
radiate downslope.

I tuned it with an MFJ-259. Setup and tuning took quite a while [~30-45
min] and band QSY took maybe 30 min. It was fairly heavy, about 17 lbs.
I finally sold it and bought an Alexloop. It, and a very lightweight
tripod weighs less than 3 lbs, it sets up in 5 min, and works amazingly
well. It is insensitive to ground, I sit under it so I can reach up to
the knob. Tuning is a little touchy on 40, better on 30, and fine on 20
and up.

Tuned magnetic loops are resonant transformers. Bypass the ATU and tune
the loop to 1:1. If you "get it close" and then run the ATU, you'll
have a fairly good, non-radiating dummy load. Usual disclaimer, other
than writing checks, I have no financial interest in Buddi-anything or
or Alexloop.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

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Johnny Siu

KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

Apart from the issue about whether 80M is used, the construction of the KXB3080 is a bit tricky. The new LPF1 will lead to lower power output of the radio.
I mentioned this in this mail listing in the past and put it in my review in :
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3586

73
Johnny VR2XMC
寄件人︰ Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2015年03月17日 (週二) 3:18 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] KX-1 80M Question

Jay,

I agree with Phil (the other Phil below!). My
first KX1, built in 2003 or 2004, had 20/30/40. My
current one has all four bands. 80 m has never
seemed a great QRP band for me, mainly due to the
antenna issues.

The KXAT1 *will* tune 80 m; there may be a mod you
do to it while adding the 3080 module to make that
feasible, not sure but the 3080 module
instructions should tell you.

Another plus of adding 3080 is in receiving 80 m
and other non-ham frequencies, if you use the KX1
that way.

Personally, if you have a KX1 with the original 30
meter module added I see no great benefit in
adding the 3080 option in place of the 30 m module
-- unless you have special interest in operating

80 meters.

73, Phil W7OX

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX-1 80M Question

In reply to this post by J

Jay,

The tuning range of the KXAT1 will b limited on 80 meters, so your
antenna configuration will be more critical - I recommend an 80 meter
antenna that is close to resonance.
An end fed antenna suspended from a tree or a hotel balcony is not
likely to do the job on 80 meters simply because it will have to be too
long for practical purposes in those situations (135 feet).

If you are happy with your 40, 30, 20 KX1 and do not have any pressing
needs to add 80 meters, I would not change it.
OTOH, if you are backpacking in the US Southwest areas and want to have
a source of emergency communications (due to propagation conditions), 80
meters may be the only logical choice - just check out the antenna
situation before embarking on your trip.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2015 1:03 PM, J wrote: