New KX1, First QSO
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Hello everyone!
Just wanted to report that my first QSO with my new KX1 took place a few minutes ago. The KX1 with the antenna tuner and 30/80m modules was a Christmas present from my XYL, Ede. Isn't she a sweet lady to think so much of me to get me another Elecraft kit! She got input from another member of the EPA QRP Club who told her that I would enjoy it as we have been going out portable about once per month and I guess I've commented how my K2 is really too nice to take out on a hike with me. Anyway, the KX1, S/N 1644, is built with the antenna tuner so far. I plan to take it out on the Appalachian Trail here in PA tomorrow for the FYBO and Polar Bear Moonlight Madness event (a monthly FYBO event of sorts). I figured that I better test it out a bit first to make sure all is okay before venturing out too far with it. I called CQ on 40m for a bit on 7.040. One guy came back to me but I wasn't ready to write, looked for a pen and paper, and then tried to go back to the guy who called me but he disappeared. I called CQ for a while longer on 7.040 and then I QSY'd to 7.030 and found a QSO just finishing. After they were clear I called CQ for a few times on 7.030 and K7TRT came back to me from Arizona. Initially I gave him a 599 report, but then QSB came in and he claimed to have QRN on his end and only gave me a 449, but he still was able to copy most of my info and he was happy to be my first QSO with the new KX1. He was using on old Omni at 100W. Eventually the QSO was terminated due to QSB & QRN, though. It sounds to me like the bands aren't all that good tonight, anyway (at least I hope that is what it is!). I'll be working on the 30/80m module for next months outing of the Polar Bears, but for tomorrow, listen for me (and work me) while I'm on 40 & 20m starting around 2000Z and finding a warm den around 2400Z. Temperatures are supposed to be in the low twenties and dropping with 15 to 30 mph winds forecast! My CW might not be the best as my fingers may get chilly while sending, but I'll try my best to get anyone in the log that calls me! 73, Mark, NK8Q P.S. Thanks to Don Wilhelm for some advice while I was constructing the KX1. The output power was initially a bit low but seems to be better now with the power mod installed. The power mod was included in the 30/80m kit (how convenient!). Also, thanks to Martin, VA3SIE who let me use his KX1 during last month's Polar Bear event at Camp-Run-a-MOC and for further advice that the power outputs that I was getting were about the same as he saw on his KX1 as well. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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FB Mark!
Don't forget, if your fingers get stiff or the bands get too punk to operate, you can always SWL the BC stations with it! When you add the 30/80 module, it'll get a lot hotter receiving the 49 meter SWL band too. That module resonates the input circuit a little better to cover to popular SWL frequencies. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- Hello everyone! Just wanted to report that my first QSO with my new KX1 took place a few minutes ago. The KX1 with the antenna tuner and 30/80m modules was a Christmas present from my XYL, Ede. Isn't she a sweet lady to think so much of me to get me another Elecraft kit! She got input from another member of the EPA QRP Club who told her that I would enjoy it as we have been going out portable about once per month and I guess I've commented how my K2 is really too nice to take out on a hike with me. Anyway, the KX1, S/N 1644, is built with the antenna tuner so far. I plan to take it out on the Appalachian Trail here in PA tomorrow for the FYBO and Polar Bear Moonlight Madness event (a monthly FYBO event of sorts). I figured that I better test it out a bit first to make sure all is okay before venturing out too far with it. I called CQ on 40m for a bit on 7.040. One guy came back to me but I wasn't ready to write, looked for a pen and paper, and then tried to go back to the guy who called me but he disappeared. I called CQ for a while longer on 7.040 and then I QSY'd to 7.030 and found a QSO just finishing. After they were clear I called CQ for a few times on 7.030 and K7TRT came back to me from Arizona. Initially I gave him a 599 report, but then QSB came in and he claimed to have QRN on his end and only gave me a 449, but he still was able to copy most of my info and he was happy to be my first QSO with the new KX1. He was using on old Omni at 100W. Eventually the QSO was terminated due to QSB & QRN, though. It sounds to me like the bands aren't all that good tonight, anyway (at least I hope that is what it is!). I'll be working on the 30/80m module for next months outing of the Polar Bears, but for tomorrow, listen for me (and work me) while I'm on 40 & 20m starting around 2000Z and finding a warm den around 2400Z. Temperatures are supposed to be in the low twenties and dropping with 15 to 30 mph winds forecast! My CW might not be the best as my fingers may get chilly while sending, but I'll try my best to get anyone in the log that calls me! 73, Mark, NK8Q P.S. Thanks to Don Wilhelm for some advice while I was constructing the KX1. The output power was initially a bit low but seems to be better now with the power mod installed. The power mod was included in the 30/80m kit (how convenient!). Also, thanks to Martin, VA3SIE who let me use his KX1 during last month's Polar Bear event at Camp-Run-a-MOC and for further advice that the power outputs that I was getting were about the same as he saw on his KX1 as well. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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