FAQ

A: The KX2 is a pocket-sized, all-HF-band, SSB/CW/data transceiver intended for field, mobile, and even hand-held operation. It's the world's smallest full-featured amateur radio transceiver, complete with 10 watts output, a large, easy-to-read display, and built-in battery and antenna tuner options. The KX2 is also a true SDR (software-defined radio), with full 32-bit IF DSP. This unique combination of small size and versatility make the KX2 a great grab-and-go radio for any outing.

A: The KX2 is the smallest full-featured, all-HF-band transceiver available. To achieve this level of miniaturization, we used a variety of high-density, state-of-the art packaging techniques. As a result, some of the hardware and connectors are small enough to be difficult for some potential kit builders to handle.

A: The KX2 has many of the same features as the KX3, but it's about half the size and weight, making it ideal for ultra-light portable and "stealth" operation. It covers all HF bands (80-10m), with SSB, CW, and data modes, with up to 10 W output from its internal Li-ion battery. Controls are lower in profile. There's a single tilt-foot in the rear, making a 3-point mount for rugged terrain. The built-in mic and quick-disconnect trailing ground wire are ideal for hand-held operation.

The KX3 has additional features that make it the choice of many operators as a home, travel, and DXpedition station. These include 160-6 meter coverage, a 2 or 4-meter VHF option, full 15 watt output on most bands, ultra low-noise synthesizer, larger complement of controls, weighted VFO A tuning knob, and matching high-performance panadapter (PX3).

Both rigs work seamlessly with the KXPA100 amplifier. They also share the MH3 microphone, KXPD2/KXPD3 keyer paddles, and other accessories.

A: There are several factors that differentiate the KX2 from others. First, there's its level of integration. Despite its small size, the KX2 can be configured as a complete station, with a built in wide-range ATU, high-capacity internal battery, attached keyer paddle, and realtime clock (on the KXIO2 option module). This means less additional equipment to carry for a field outing. It's like having a full desktop transceiver system in the palm of your hand.

Second, the KX2 makes very frugal use of its internal battery compared to other DSP-based radios. Receive current drain is as low as 135 mA (backlight and preamp off). The key to this is the use of cascaded, high-efficiency, low-noise DC-to-DC converters. This low current drain allows you to operate for an extended period - from 4 to 10 hours, depending on transmit power level and duty cycle.

There are other important differences. For example, with the KX2 you'll rarely need to use the menu, since controls that get the most use are always available. You'll be able to use the radio in direct sunlight, thanks to its high-contrast, full-custom, transflective LCD. You'll also have clean, crisp filtering, T/R switching, and excellent signal integrity. Your KX2 will sound great on the air, no matter how challenging the operating situation.

A: Yes, for several reasons: First, the basic 10-watt KX2 packs nearly all of the features of a traditional desktop radio into a low-cost package, making it more affordable while not sacrificing versatility. The user who needs full power (100 W) can easily add a KXPA100 later on, if desired; this can improve your signal by about two S-units of signal strength at receiving stations.

Second, the KX2 is very easy to use, with about one-third as many controls as our top-ofthe-line K3S transceiver. We distilled the panel controls down to those most needed for typical operation, while retaining some additional advanced features as menu selections. The tutorial-style owner's manual provides explanations of both how these controls can be used, and why you might want to use them.

Finally, the KX2 is fun to operate-from anywhere. At under one pound, it can inspire firsttime HF users to go beyond their home station, enriching outdoor activities and turning vacations into mini-DXpeditions. The KX2 is also a very capable radio for mobile use, an application many hams discover as they get into the hobby.

New operators will also benefit from Elecraft's outstanding user forum, where they can feel comfortable asking questions on any amateur radio subject.

A: No. The KX2 is a true SDR, architecturally, but we kept its size, weight, and current drain low by emphasizing features needed during field operation. Panadapters and laptop computers add a lot of extra weight, and are typically considered part of a home station. For this reason we did not include external RX I/Q interface circuitry in the KX2. (However, we offer two other transceivers that have high-performance panadapter options: the K3S with P3 panadapter, and KX3 with PX3 panadapter.) Of course you can connect the KX2 to a computer sound card for use with data-mode communications packages, via the mic and headphone jacks.

The KX2 also includes two built-in data modes (PSK-D and FSK-D) so you can operate in those data modes without a computer. In these modes, text is displayed on the VFO B display as it is decoded, and CW sent with the built-in keyer is automatically converted into PSK31, PSK63, or RTTY signals.

A: Refer to the selection guide below.

	KX2	KX3
Hand-Held, Pedestrian Mobile (/PM)
Ultra light Backpacking
SOTA (Summits on the air)
Lowest-Cost All-HF-Band Station
High-Performance Contesting
160 Meters: AM Broadcast DXing
Home Station with Panadpter (PX3)
All-mod VHF (6 m included; 2 or 4 m optional)
Mini-DXpeditions, Travel, RV
Camping trips, day hikes, Field Day
Mobile (100-W with KXPA100 ampP

A: Yes. We designed the KX2 specifically with SOTA operators in mind. At just 13 ounces (less options), the KX2 should fit into the weight budget for nearly any field excursion. Yet it provides more features, better ergonomics, and higher power output than minimalist radios. For weak-signal receive, there's DSP-based APF (audio peaking filter), noise blanking, and noise reduction. The speaker has plenty of volume to overcome wind noise. In transmit mode, you'll have 3 programmable message buffers for both CW and data, and a 2-memory digital voice recorder for SSB.

The KX2 is also ideal for use in difficult operating conditions. While standing, it can be held like an HT, with the built-in mic and keyer paddle just where you need them. In a pinch, you can make plenty of QSOs using a telescoping whip. If you're sitting on the ground or on a rock, you'll find the KX2 works very well in TFR (trail-friendly-radio) mode, with its folding tilt-foot deployed.

For logging, you may want make use of the KX2's two utility mounting points (4-40 PEM nuts) on the bottom cover. You can even use these to attach the KX2 directly to a clipboard.

A: The KX2 retains many of the best features of the KX3 in a smaller footprint. Here's a quick overview.

A: Here's a quick view of the front panel controls. Note that the buttons still use the familiar Tap or Hold functions for access to the most-used features.

Additionally, there is a Menu system for tailoring the KX2 operating settings to the operator's preference. Most of these need only be set up one time.

A: Here's a quick view of the front panel controls. Note that the buttons still use the familiar Tap or Hold functions for access to the most-used features.

Additionally, there is a Menu system for tailoring the KX2 operating settings to the operator's preference. Most of these need only be set up one time.

A: The left side has a series of jacks, described below.

• ACC: Contains the RS232 TX/RX signals and the KEY OUT signal to connect a linear amplifier such as the KXPA100.
• KEY: Allows you to connect a keyer paddle, keyer (or other keying device), or a straight key. There is a menu item to configure it for the device type used.
• PHONES: Stereo audio output for use with headphones or a set of powered external speakers. The Dual Watch feature uses the stereo outputs to allow you to operate as if there were two receivers, one on the frequency of VFO A, the other on VFO B.
• MIC: Input for a hand mic (such as the MH3) or a desk or boom mic. Bias is available for those mics that need it. The MH3 includes UP/DN buttons for mobile VFO tuning.
• 9-15VDC: DC input jack for use with a KXBT2 Li-ion battery pack or other power source. There's an identical DC jack inside the KX2 for use with the KXBT2. If both an internal battery and external power source are plugged in, the radio operates from whichever has the higher voltage.
• AUX: This jack is actually on the rear of the KX2. It provides two general-purpose outputs that can be programmed on a per-band basis to control external equipment such as an antenna switch or transverter.
• Grounding point: Intended for attaching the KX2 to other peripherals and to station ground. The connection point is sized to use a Mini-Banana plug (Elecraft model KX2GNDPLUG). This is ideal for use with a trailing ground wire during pedestrian mobile operation (/PM). If you step on the wire, the plug will pull out easily, avoiding damage to the KX2.

A: On the right side of the KX2, there's a BNC connector for the antenna. Wire antennas can be connected using our BNC-to-binding-post adapter (BNC-BP).

A: Here are the KX2 Specifications:

A: Yes, it does. The KX2 and the KX3 are different products to serve different purposes. The KX2's size and weight make it perfect for SOTA and field ops. It fits in your pocket or carrying pouch. The KX3 has more bands, more modes,

A: Yes. Elecraft will continue to produce, support, and enhance the KX3-the other transceiver in our KX Line. The KX3 has features not present in the KX2, including support for our full-color panadapter (PX3), coverage of all bands (160-6 m), all modes (adds AM and FM), higher power (15 W), a 2 or 4-m option, and more controls (including weighted VFO knob).

A: Power cable (E850524), KXUSB Computer interface cable, and Owner's Manual.

A: Here's an overview of the options:

A: The KXPD2 keyer paddle mounts directly to the front of the KX2 (or KX3) with two thumb screws. It's about 33% shorter than the KXPD3, requiring less space in a small bag such as our model CS40 (see above). The KXPD2 also includes a storage slot for the allen wrench used to adjust the contacts, allowing convenient field adjustment.

A: Yes; however, you may need to update the KXPD3. If your KXPD3 has one thumb screw that's longer than the other, order part no. E700245 to replace the original left-hand thumb screw on the KXPD3. Use of the original longer thumb screw would damage the KX2.

A: Yes, there's a separate input jack on the left side for your paddle, bug, or straight key.

A: No. A new family of options has been designed specifically for the KX2. All of them are available immediately with the KX2's introduction. (All options for the KX3 remain available, with no changes as a result of the KX2's introduction.)

A: The KX2 uses our KXBT2 internal battery option, a fully sealed and electronically protected lithium-ion battery pack. The KXBT2 can be plugged in either internally or externally to the transceiver. It is fitted with a 2.1mm ID/5.5mm OD plug. The pack is installed in the KX2 by opening the bottom cover as shown in the next illustration.

A: Yes: The KXIBC2. This internal charger works with or without the KX2 turned on, generates no RFI, and includes the same real-time clock functions as the KXIO2. It can charge the internal battery from any small external power supply, battery, or solar panel. For a full charge, the external source should provide 13.5 to 15.0 V, though voltages as low as 12 V can provide a useful amount of recharge.

A: The KXBC2 battery charger will ship with an AC cable for use in the U.S. It will work on both 120V and 240V AC systems for worldwide operation. If you need to operate the KXBC2 in other parts of the world, you may order international AC cables from Elecraft.

A: No. Elecraft provides two complete solutions for using and recharging the KXBT2 - the KXIBC2, Internal Battery Charger and/or KXBC2 External Battery Charger.  Specific voltage, current, and temperature limits are enforced to ensure safe operation. We do not recommend alternative methods of recharging the KXBT2.

A: Yes. You can operate the KX2 from an external power source. The recommended supply voltage for full power output is 12 to 14 V, although the KX2 will reach a full 10 watts on most bands using the KXBT2 (11 V). If you have both an internal battery and an external source connected, the KX2 will be powered by whichever has the higher voltage.

A: Yes, using the KXIBC2 charger (see above).

A: Any type of battery may be used to power the KX2 externally. However, the internal battery compartment is specifically designed for use with the KXBT2. Smaller batteries may fit, but are not likely to provide much operating time. The KXBT2, at 2.6 amp hours, allows from 4 to 8 hours of typical transceive operation, depending on transmit power level.

A: No. The dimensions of the KXBT2 will not allow it to fit inside the KX3, even if its AA battery holders are removed. The KXBT2 can, however, be connected to a KX3 externally and will operate the KX3 at up to 10 W output. The KXBT2 will also power most devices rated for 9 to 15 volts, including our other small transceivers, PX3 (matching panadapter for the KX3), and XG3 signal generator.

A: KX2 owners who have installed the KXIBC2 have told us they love the convenience of simply plugging in their regular power supply to charge the internal battery pack. The charger operates with or without the radio turned on, and the process is fully automatic, so your KX2 will be ready to go whenever you are. Of course, you can still use the fast charger if you're in a hurry.

A: Anyone with a modest amount of soldering experience should be able to do the KXIBC2 installation. Based on lots of feedback from field testers, we dramatically simplified the installation procedure. For field installation, we recommend "Method 1" (see the revision B2 instruction manual or later). There's no need to do any disassembly other than removing and replacing the right side panel. And there are only two wires to solder. If after having a look at the instructions you feel that you'd rather let Elecraft to the job, we'll be happy to. Simply contact support@elecraft.com to obtain an RMA.

A: Yes, you can. Please see option chart earlier in this FAQ for ordering information.

A: Not at this time.

A: No. Elecraft K3 Remote System products support the K3S and K3 only.

A: Yes. The MH3 has a high-quality mic element and works very well with the KX2.