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 optional internal automatic antenna tuner, internal batteries,
and optional 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. The KX1 transmits only in CW mode, but can receive SSB and AM signals, thanks to its variable-passband crystal filter.