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In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ
This is a rebranded HB-1A, made in China and previously marketed only on the Internet. I purchased one on ebay about a year ago and wrote a review for QRP Quarterly.
To summarize, the designers of the HB-1A made some design choices that differentiate it from the KX-1. For example, the battery compartment holds 8 cells, which means that both the operating voltage and the power out are higher (typically 5w). On the other hand, there is no room for a tuner, and you have to use an external tuner or a tuned antenna.
On the plus side, the HB-1A has a somewhat better display (more digits), and a goodly number of frequency memories. On the negative side, the internal keyer is very limited, and there are no provisions for a built-in paddle.
So while it will remain an individual choice, I found that the KX-1 was an overall better TFR rig than the HB-1A. My HB-1A went back out to ebay, where it sold immediately. The KX-1 is still here and still in regular use.
73,
John, WA6L
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