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Thursday, January 23, 2025

NI1Q’s Lengthy-Awaited Elecraft KH1: Definitely worth the Wait?


by Emily (NI1Q)

If there was one factor being in a bodily rehab facility for 4 months taught me it was mates and households had been a consolation.  They introduced encouragement, broke the boredom and had been useful in bringing hope after I wasn’t positive if I’d be strolling once more. I used to be capable of have my DMR handheld and checked into nets and talked with mates, however I actually missed being on HF.

Though I personal an IC-705 and a QRP Labs QMX, managing them in a room would have been tough.  I actually love the 705, and might handle the QMX, however the 705 is just not the sort of rig you’ll be able to put in a bedside desk drawer;  the QMX with an EFHW + batteries turns into about as giant and tough to deploy.  Particularly in mattress.

It was with this mindset that I watched in curiosity Tom’s preliminary movies of the Elecraft KH1.  I initially noticed it as one thing akin to the QMX, and I had some reservations about the important thing.  As I watched a number of of Tom’s exploits, my mindset started to vary.  On January 29, 2024, I positioned an order for KH1 Edgewood package deal.  I’d quickly (I hoped) turn out to be an Elecraft proprietor, a part of what generally appears to be a cult, and different occasions appear to be essentially the most loyal fanbase in ham radio.

I initially calculated I’d get supply someday in April, simply in time for my birthday.  As that point handed I talked to Elecraft they usually opined that I’d have it in time for Dayton.  Every week earlier than, it wasn’t going to occur, and I packed heavy to take the IC-705 with me.

And, then, Might thirtieth, my wait was over. An e mail arrived: The KH1 was on the way in which!

Packing containers Arrives:  I can’t comprise myself…

On June 1st, I used to be out taking part in fetch with Zoe and noticed the postal truck coming down the road, and I rushed over to the curb to fulfill him.  As he clicked his cellphone to certify supply I requested “It’s from Watsonville CA, proper?”  He smiled; “You will need to have been ready for this one.”  “126 days for positive.”  I rushed into the home with my package deal faster than Ralphie Parker operating out into the snow with a Pink Ryder BB-gun on Christmas day.

I had beforehand ordered the suitable angle antenna adapter, so collectively I had two containers to unwrap.  The KH1 was packed effectively sufficient the field hyped up with what I assumed was bubble-wrap.

Rigorously reducing the packing tape confirmed my assumption, and I used to be greeted by a really good and sudden color guide that confirmed I had now turn out to be an Elecraft proprietor for the primary time.

I thumbed by the guide and made a psychological observe of the sections I’d want for a fast “getting began” exercise.  Time set – verify.  Antenna choice – verify.  Charging – verify.  On-off swap – verify.

I used to be prepared (and keen) to go.

Items, Plenty of Items.

Though it appears like a tidy group of 4 issues, there have been a number of layers.  First out was the Edgewood case.  It’s a pleasant case however with just one further pocket.  I’d later be taught it wasn’t actually sufficient. The case was effectively padded, so for now it could be the place the radio lived.

Subsequent to come back out was the battery, which, because it was packed you’ll be able to see, regarded like a charger.  It isn’t.  After I opened the package deal it was clearly a battery, however had a 2.5mm DC plug.

What was actually complicated was – as later confirmed – the proper dimension to plug into the exterior battery jack on the aspect of the KH1.  So I suppose you should utilize an additional for an exterior battery.  Fast reference to the guide knowledgeable me to search for the two.5mm energy jack inside.

Subsequent to come back out was the Morse Key, and it was very tiny.  I  questioned if my giant fingers would have the ability to use it.  It was very mild weight and fabricated from plastic, which alarmed me for a bit. I used to be already resigning myself to carting round my BaMaTech key.

All of the Different Stuff

I restrained myself and earlier than the ultimate act of unpacking the radio itself, I made a decision to unpack all the opposite little fiddly-bits.  Out got here the whip antenna (small), the fold-over cowl/logging tray with a pen (additionally small), an exterior energy cable which is finally destined to have energy poles on it.

I unwrapped the counterpoise and famous it’s skinny and stiff.  I marked this in my head for alternative with some 24 ga silicone wire.

Final got here the USB programming cable.  I used to be disillusioned to be taught that you simply plugged it into the identical 3.5mm jack because the Morse key and ran at 9600 baud.  On this day of fantastic USB C connections, I believe any radio would profit from one for energy and knowledge and I’ve already transformed my 705 to make use of it.

OMG!  It’s so Tiny and Mild!

After getting by the appetiser and the principle meal, it was time for dessert, and I had ordered the most effective.  The very first thing that occurred after I picked up the pink bubble-wrap I assumed was the KH1 my mind fired off the “Ut-Oh, this isn’t it – they forgot the radio” message.  I used to be undoubtedly anticipating one thing a lot heavier, if not bigger.  As I pulled away the bubble-wrap I breathed a sigh of aid on the tiny, featherlight field, wrapped in plastic.

With out the battery, it’s simply so amazingly mild.  It was about 2/3rds the dimensions of my favorite handheld radio (Icom ID-52A).

I eliminated the plastic and couldn’t resist plugging the battery into it.  The sunshine subsequent to the on-off swap got here on. Acknowledging that it in all probability wasn’t actually meant to plug in there, I eliminated it and set on to putting in the battery.

The KH1 case back and front are metallic – prime and backside are plastic.  Opening up the case includes pushing a small snap-on the top-rear that enables the case again to swing open. The guide urges care by doing so, and I agree.  It struck me on the time this might be an operation I’d hardly ever do, and I used to be pleased with that.

As I regarded across the insides, I may see the two.5mm energy connection on the within.  However the place was the froth on the highest of the circuit board to guard it?  The reply was easy: there isn’t any.  I’m unsure how I really feel about that and made a observe to see what may match there with out suffocating any of the chips. I’ll in all probability add some 2mm thick foam squares on the battery backside corners for further help.

Putting in the battery wasn’t tough however it was not clear how one can route the wires.  I opted for the wires on the underside route. Once more I used to be shocked by the shortage of padding for the hole between the battery and the (as proven) backside aspect. To be added for positive.

Closing the duvet is a snap (actually) and there I used to be.  The final chore was to unpack the antenna proper angle adapter and set it up.  I like to recommend wanting on the guide for the stand as I used to be very unclear on the way in which it went collectively.

First QSO

Sitting on the park bench within the shade of a 100’ excessive oak, I assembled the antenna, threw out the counterpoise, turned on the radio and hit the Autotune button.  1:11 match which made me fairly cross.  Then I remembered “there’s an antenna swap on prime.”

I put it within the 20m place and this time it tuned to 1:1.1 .  Now we’re speaking.

I began to name CQ on 20m.  First run of CQ and my first contact was in Michigan.  Subsequent I known as somebody within the Kentucky QSO get together.  No downside in Kentucky.  Final name was CQ once more on 17 meters, and I had success right down to Florida.  Circumstances weren’t nice, however I used to be ecstatic.

Comply with-Up

I’m extraordinarily happy with the efficiency of the KH1.  Though the controls are small and compact I didn’t have any hassle with most.  The Morse Secret is small, however regardless of my preliminary worries it really works like a champ for me.  My solely concern is that I often hit the important thing when making an attempt to regulate the quantity.  I additionally assume the important thing needs to be disabled (typically) when utilizing the menu system.

Though the ES20 case is effectively padded, I choose one thing that is a little more protecting and located the Pelican 1040 was an ideal match with actually no modifications.  With the duvet on, and the antenna within the mount, the KH1 matches completely.  The 1040 has sufficient room to carry the counterpoise and a pair of earbuds.

I did change the counterpoise with BNTECHGO 24 ga silicone wire.  It is extremely simple to deploy particularly with a ¼oz lead sinker on the tip.

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