I don't think anyone can deny that an AX1 is a very convenient antenna, but isn't the elephant in the room still efficiency?
Looking at Doug's antenna, judging from the whip size, I'd guess it's probably about 7 feet long assembled.??
In theory, given the old radiation resistance increases with the square of the length truism, it's probably about 3-4 dB better than a 4 footer.? If it was 8 feet, it could be as much as 6 dB better.? And if you use a whip like the one on an MFJ 1898, you can get almost 7 feet of length that collapses to about 9 inches.? That's a little over 4dB better for way less bux, a little more effort, and just a bit longer collapsed antenna length.
And it's easy to attach to Doug's antenna or just a long whip to a KX2 with a little bracket like in the picture below. Maybe Howie could sell one.:)
The KX2 tunes the 1898 whip only configuration?thru 17 meters well, on 20 well enough, and if you add a 6 uH? coil, 30 works well, and an 18 uH coil 40 works well.? I'm just too cheap to throw away an easy 3 -4 dB when I'm already not that loud.
I'm not anti-AX1 or Elecraft, God knows Wayne has enough of my money.? But it would be fun to see a Super AX-1A that is more efficient, easily packed and exploits the superb tuner in the KX2 to its maximum benefit., I might have to part with more money then. :)
72 Scott ka9p
? ?Thanks Doug for the info. I’ve been an active ham doing portable CW/QRP operating since the mid 1970’s.? Back then I was hauling around my TenTec 509 with 2 6V lantern batteries and a fan dipole..then became a NorCal club member. amongst other activities including working with Russ Carpenter on the Adventure Radio Society. I’m pretty familiar with most types of portable antennas,including a wide variety of verticals.? Not long after I built my K2 I became acquainted with Vern Wright W6MMA and his Super Antennas,and got the PW-1 (which I still have and it’s superbly well made). I’m very familiar with the concept that a larger vertical would have higher Q,and potentially be more efficient than a smaller one.? So-why would I continue to use something like the AX1 when a larger vertical would be better? Well..as they say a picture is worth a thousand words,and I’ve attached a couple. What you see my version of the ‘shack in a box’ with KX2,AX1,AEX1, Begali Adventure paddle and assorted accessories including battery,radials, a random wire end fed and other assorted items. And you can see next to it the vertical we built based on your plans. The point of this is to show the size difference and all important form factor. Oh -and I forgot to include the tripod needed to mount the vertical. The AX1 doesn’t need that I can mount it directly to the KX2. I figure I’d need a bag about twice the size to carry the larger gear and extra mounting hardware… Here’s the deal-the bag you see has been hauled around the world and hiked to numerous SOTA and POTA sites since 2016. Is the AX1 less efficient than the larger vertical? Yes, but I wouldn’t have taken the larger one due to size and weight requirements. The small bag allows me to take the radio practically anywhere in the world,just tucked into a corner of my carryon or suitcase,and I can be set up in about 2 minutes or less. And the very low profile of the AX1 is ideal for many locations where otherwise I’d probably not set up and operate. And that stinkin’ little antenna has made thousands of DX , S2S and P2P contacts worldwide-Wayne & Co. at Elecraft have made it as efficient as possible given the size. ? Regardless of where or when I operate I always try to use the ?best antenna I can reasonably carry. If I’m traveling by car,then I can definitely take a bigger unit,and I have a bunch of great options. Same when hiking to a summit-carry as little as possible to get the job done. It’s ultimately a matter of trade offs. Given all of these factors the small package and flexibility of the AX1 is for me a good trade off for some less efficiency,and the difference between taking and operating in many situations. For some folks the cost is an issue but for me spreading out the initial outlay over the past 9 years($11/year )is a great balance. I don’t mind paying a fair price for well made item that gives me lots of use. I have operated in many interesting places and in situations where a larger setup wouldn’t be possible. And now with the KH1 (which has the same antenna) it’s even easier to travel and operate. Money very well spent in my opinion. I often ask hams- ‘do you want to operate or equivocate?’ ? 
Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com?
?
Are there plans online for the homebrew antenna?
Thx
John KY4WW
This email originated from outside of Samford University. Please consider carefully whether you should click on any links, open any attachments,
or provide any information.
Dan, the small form factor is part of the problem.? ?It's diameter is half the one of the homebrew version.? The larger the coil diameter,? the greater the Q, which is directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the antenna.? The homebrew version
you built (for less than $10)? takes very little more space.? ?I have had one in my small bag for years.? I just can't justify paying $100 more for an inferior antenna.? I have done sided by side comparisons of two antennas and the homebrew one wins every
time.? Facts are facts.? The AH1 is well built and looks good.? The homebrew one works better and is $100 cheaper.? And they? both fit in the bag.
?
Can't wait for Pacificon.?
Doug
|
Actually I did build one before I had a license for someone.? Didn't retain the manual
as it was his.? He is now SK by over a decade.
?
And it seems someone found that missing peice, the arts layout.? Good show Pete!
?
?
The above is the magic information.
?
--
Allison
--------------------------
Please, private email goes to bit bucket
|
The original article is available on groups.io qrptech files
?
?
?
NEQRP 72 Magazine also had the Article in their April 1994 issue
?
?
?
Parts Layout for 40 and 30 meters can be found on FAR Circuits
?
?
?
They also have the PCB for $7.00
?
Pete WB9FLW
?
|
Hi Dan?
What you say about your backpack is true. ?I’m a hiker and portable operator so keeping size and weight down is essential .?
The more bits you carry the longer it takes to put together and take down .?
My XYL understandably complains ( she loves mountains and coming with me ) but rightly wants my activation short . Probably a good idea when at 2000m in the snow in the Bavarian alps . But even last week in England at just 400m asl it was cold in the wind after 2 hours . I took my 5.5m telescopic whip, adjustable coil , base and spike , 4 radial wires , my IC705 with external lipo battery . Morse key, coax from antenna base to radio - it genuinely surprising how it soon adds up !?
My friend DL8JJ is a mountaineer and guide - he has done a lot of activations with the KH1. Yes the antenna works but results not as good - does it matter ? He sometimes takes his Spiderbeam lightweight OCFD antenna supported by a walking pole - so not far off the ground that works well too .?
It’s all about getting the equipment down to suit your needs and taste .?
I came back home last week knowing I’d taken quite a heavy pack with me - but if I had a pack with ropes , crampons etc I’d take a KH1 .?
As we say here - you pays your money and takes your choice !?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 25 Mar 2025, at 06:40, Dan N7CQR via groups.io <n7cqr@...> wrote:
? ? ? Thanks Doug for the info. I’ve been an active ham doing portable CW/QRP operating since the mid 1970’s. ?Back then I was hauling around my TenTec 509 with 2 6V lantern batteries and a fan dipole..then became a NorCal club member. amongst other activities including working with Russ Carpenter on the Adventure Radio Society. I’m pretty familiar with most types of portable antennas,including a wide variety of verticals. ?Not long after I built my K2 I became acquainted with Vern Wright W6MMA and his Super Antennas,and got the PW-1 (which I still have and it’s superbly well made). I’m very familiar with the concept that a larger vertical would have higher Q,and potentially be more efficient than a smaller one.? So-why would I continue to use something like the AX1 when a larger vertical would be better? Well..as they say a picture is worth a thousand words,and I’ve attached a couple. What you see my version of the ‘shack in a box’ with KX2,AX1,AEX1, Begali Adventure paddle and assorted accessories including battery,radials, a random wire end fed and other assorted items. And you can see next to it the vertical we built based on your plans. The point of this is to show the size difference and all important form factor. Oh -and I forgot to include the tripod needed to mount the vertical. The AX1 doesn’t need that I can mount it directly to the KX2. I figure I’d need a bag about twice the size to carry the larger gear and extra mounting hardware… Here’s the deal-the bag you see has been hauled around the world and hiked to numerous SOTA and POTA sites since 2016. Is the AX1 less efficient than the larger vertical? Yes, but I wouldn’t have taken the larger one due to size and weight requirements. The small bag allows me to take the radio practically anywhere in the world,just tucked into a corner of my carryon or suitcase,and I can be set up in about 2 minutes or less. And the very low profile of the AX1 is ideal for many locations where otherwise I’d probably not set up and operate. And that stinkin’ little antenna has made thousands of DX , S2S and P2P contacts worldwide-Wayne & Co. at Elecraft have made it as efficient as possible given the size. ? Regardless of where or when I operate I always try to use the ?best antenna I can reasonably carry. If I’m traveling by car,then I can definitely take a bigger unit,and I have a bunch of great options. Same when hiking to a summit-carry as little as possible to get the job done. It’s ultimately a matter of trade offs. Given all of these factors the small package and flexibility of the AX1 is for me a good trade off for some less efficiency,and the difference between taking and operating in many situations. For some folks the cost is an issue but for me spreading out the initial outlay over the past 9 years($11/year )is a great balance. I don’t mind paying a fair price for well made item that gives me lots of use. I have operated in many interesting places and in situations where a larger setup wouldn’t be possible. And now with the KH1 (which has the same antenna) it’s even easier to travel and operate. Money very well spent in my opinion. I often ask hams- ‘do you want to operate or equivocate?’ ? <image.png>
Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com? N7CQR@...
On Mar 24, 2025, at 10:06, John KY4WW via groups.io <jmdanner@...> wrote:
?
Are there plans online for the homebrew antenna?
Thx
John KY4WW
This email originated from outside of Samford University. Please consider carefully whether you should click on any links, open any attachments,
or provide any information.
Dan, the small form factor is part of the problem.? ?It's diameter is half the one of the homebrew version.? The larger the coil diameter,? the greater the Q, which is directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the antenna.? The homebrew version
you built (for less than $10)? takes very little more space.? ?I have had one in my small bag for years.? I just can't justify paying $100 more for an inferior antenna.? I have done sided by side comparisons of two antennas and the homebrew one wins every
time.? Facts are facts.? The AH1 is well built and looks good.? The homebrew one works better and is $100 cheaper.? And they? both fit in the bag.
?
Can't wait for Pacificon.?
Doug
|
? ? Thanks Doug for the info. I’ve been an active ham doing portable CW/QRP operating since the mid 1970’s. ?Back then I was hauling around my TenTec 509 with 2 6V lantern batteries and a fan dipole..then became a NorCal club member. amongst other activities including working with Russ Carpenter on the Adventure Radio Society. I’m pretty familiar with most types of portable antennas,including a wide variety of verticals. ?Not long after I built my K2 I became acquainted with Vern Wright W6MMA and his Super Antennas,and got the PW-1 (which I still have and it’s superbly well made). I’m very familiar with the concept that a larger vertical would have higher Q,and potentially be more efficient than a smaller one.? So-why would I continue to use something like the AX1 when a larger vertical would be better? Well..as they say a picture is worth a thousand words,and I’ve attached a couple. What you see my version of the ‘shack in a box’ with KX2,AX1,AEX1, Begali Adventure paddle and assorted accessories including battery,radials, a random wire end fed and other assorted items. And you can see next to it the vertical we built based on your plans. The point of this is to show the size difference and all important form factor. Oh -and I forgot to include the tripod needed to mount the vertical. The AX1 doesn’t need that I can mount it directly to the KX2. I figure I’d need a bag about twice the size to carry the larger gear and extra mounting hardware… Here’s the deal-the bag you see has been hauled around the world and hiked to numerous SOTA and POTA sites since 2016. Is the AX1 less efficient than the larger vertical? Yes, but I wouldn’t have taken the larger one due to size and weight requirements. The small bag allows me to take the radio practically anywhere in the world,just tucked into a corner of my carryon or suitcase,and I can be set up in about 2 minutes or less. And the very low profile of the AX1 is ideal for many locations where otherwise I’d probably not set up and operate. And that stinkin’ little antenna has made thousands of DX , S2S and P2P contacts worldwide-Wayne & Co. at Elecraft have made it as efficient as possible given the size. ? Regardless of where or when I operate I always try to use the ?best antenna I can reasonably carry. If I’m traveling by car,then I can definitely take a bigger unit,and I have a bunch of great options. Same when hiking to a summit-carry as little as possible to get the job done. It’s ultimately a matter of trade offs. Given all of these factors the small package and flexibility of the AX1 is for me a good trade off for some less efficiency,and the difference between taking and operating in many situations. For some folks the cost is an issue but for me spreading out the initial outlay over the past 9 years($11/year )is a great balance. I don’t mind paying a fair price for well made item that gives me lots of use. I have operated in many interesting places and in situations where a larger setup wouldn’t be possible. And now with the KH1 (which has the same antenna) it’s even easier to travel and operate. Money very well spent in my opinion. I often ask hams- ‘do you want to operate or equivocate?’ ? 
Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com? N7CQR@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 24, 2025, at 10:06, John KY4WW via groups.io <jmdanner@...> wrote:
?
Are there plans online for the homebrew antenna?
Thx
John KY4WW
This email originated from outside of Samford University. Please consider carefully whether you should click on any links, open any attachments,
or provide any information.
Dan, the small form factor is part of the problem.? ?It's diameter is half the one of the homebrew version.? The larger the coil diameter,? the greater the Q, which is directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the antenna.? The homebrew version
you built (for less than $10)? takes very little more space.? ?I have had one in my small bag for years.? I just can't justify paying $100 more for an inferior antenna.? I have done sided by side comparisons of two antennas and the homebrew one wins every
time.? Facts are facts.? The AH1 is well built and looks good.? The homebrew one works better and is $100 cheaper.? And they? both fit in the bag.
?
Can't wait for Pacificon.?
Doug
|
This is the closest I have come, as this is the same board I have. Problem is, while many components are pretty obvious, what are the values of the 21 resistors and numerous capacitors shown in their respective holes? Same for the transistors (might be able to figure that one out) and how many turns on the cores, and which core goes where, the cores are not all the same. Oh well, it was a long shot. 73, Richard AG5M
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 07:18:12 PM PDT, Brian N4TRB via groups.io <brpjournalist@...> wrote:
I’m not intending to be obnoxious or anything, but isn’t there anyone on the list who actually built one of these kits back in the day and can just take a picture of the assembled board?
Brian N4TRB
With the schematic (in the QST article) and the actual board in hand I think you should be able to reverse your way into a parts placement diagram. Especially if you go stage-by-stage, using “obvious” parts as landmarks, like ICs.
|
I’m not intending to be obnoxious or anything, but isn’t there anyone on the list who actually built one of these kits back in the day and can just take a picture of the assembled board?
Brian N4TRB
With the schematic (in the QST article) and the actual board in hand I think you should be able to reverse your way into a parts placement diagram. Especially if you go stage-by-stage, using “obvious” parts as landmarks, like ICs.
|
With the schematic (in the QST article) and the actual board in hand I think you should be able to reverse your way into a parts placement diagram. Especially if you go stage-by-stage, using “obvious” parts as landmarks, like ICs.
|
Reply from Dave Benson, dead in the water unless someone actually still has those parts placement drawings.
Hi Richard-
Unfortunately, what you have there is a drink coaster. My documents were created on an early-vintage Mac. I had a parts placement illustration at one point, but it's missing in action.. Macintosh also replaced the original MacDraw with MacDraw II- totally incompatible. The computer is long gone and with it, my documents. I briefly weighed the idea of buying the Mac layout software... until I discovered it cost $1K. I moved to Windows.
73- Dave, K1SWL
73, Richard AG5M
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 06:14:23 AM PDT, kb1gmx via groups.io <kb1gmx@...> wrote:
While the 40+ is the same schematic the board layout is very different. ? Check with Dave Benson K1SWL he is in QRZ. ? -- Allison
--------------------------
Please, private email goes to bit bucket
|
Are there plans online for the homebrew antenna?
Thx
John KY4WW
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This email originated from outside of Samford University. Please consider carefully whether you should click on any links, open any attachments,
or provide any information.
Dan, the small form factor is part of the problem.? ?It's diameter is half the one of the homebrew version.? The larger the coil diameter,? the greater the Q, which is directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the antenna.? The homebrew version
you built (for less than $10)? takes very little more space.? ?I have had one in my small bag for years.? I just can't justify paying $100 more for an inferior antenna.? I have done sided by side comparisons of two antennas and the homebrew one wins every
time.? Facts are facts.? The AH1 is well built and looks good.? The homebrew one works better and is $100 cheaper.? And they? both fit in the bag.
?
Can't wait for Pacificon.?
Doug
|
I have done so, hopefully he can offer some assistance. I never like to give up on a project. Just not in my DNA Hi Hi.
73, Richard AG5M
On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 06:14:23 AM PDT, kb1gmx via groups.io <kb1gmx@...> wrote:
While the 40+ is the same schematic the board layout is very different. ? Check with Dave Benson K1SWL he is in QRZ. ? -- Allison
--------------------------
Please, private email goes to bit bucket
|
Dan, the small form factor is part of the problem.? ?It's diameter is half the one of the homebrew version.? The larger the coil diameter,? the greater the Q, which is directly related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the antenna.? The homebrew version you built (for less than $10)? takes very little more space.? ?I have had one in my small bag for years.? I just can't justify paying $100 more for an inferior antenna.? I have done sided by side comparisons of two antennas and the homebrew one wins every time.? Facts are facts.? The AH1 is well built and looks good.? The homebrew one works better and is $100 cheaper.? And they? both fit in the bag.
?
Can't wait for Pacificon.?
Doug
|
While the 40+ is the same schematic the board layout is very different.
?
Check with Dave Benson K1SWL he is in QRZ.
?
--
Allison
--------------------------
Please, private email goes to bit bucket
|
Phil,
Here is where a nanoVNA or an antenna analyzer will help. ?Look at the antenna with either and see where it resonates and then the fun begins. ?If it resonates where you want there is probably some common mode problem. Raised radial? Ground mounted radial? ?Two radials? Common mode choke somewhere in the feed line? ?Different length feed line? Try all the above and eventually you will find a solution. ?Then let us know what helped.
I have had a few issues like that and each time a common mode choke about 10 feet from the transceiver fixed it. ?I didn’t think I would have a problem with 5 watts or less but with an antenna on a tripod on our deck in our 3rd floor condo a few times there was something not right. The CMC fixed it so now I leave it in the feed line. In fact I bought the small clip on toroids at Orlando HamCation to make a permanent in line CMC at 10 feet for my portable setup. Will build it when I get back to Michigan so I can heat shrink it in place.?
Having been in this hobby since 1960 I can think of so many issues that were most likely caused by common mode stuff but I didn’t know about it then. Back then we just cut a different length feed line and later wound some of it around a 2 liter Coke bottle. Many times that did help.?
Have fun. This is the challenge of RF and where it goes, not always the way we think it does. ?An RF sniffer or a common mode detector device can be another tool that is helpful here.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 23, 2025, at 2:17?PM, Phil KB5EBB via groups.io <puzickphil@...> wrote:
? Just a note, I have used the AX1 antenna with a tripod in a National Park site where antenna restrictions occur (i.e. no wires in trees and no ground stakes). Try as I might I can not get it to be resonant on 20 meters;although it is supposed to be possible. The T1 ATU seems to have trouble establishing a match. The KX2 may have more capability to match the antenna. I use a QRP 5w CW inly radio with the whip.?
That said both of my attempts for a POTA activation have been successful. Most distant contact was around 850 miles.?
If anyone has suggestions on reaching resonance with the AX1 on 20M please contact me.?
Good Luck!
|
Doug-I’ve built a number short loaded verticals including your design a few years ago at Pacificon. And it works fine. But AX1 is a much smaller form factor and is very ruggedly built. No home brew vertical ?antenna is small enough to fit in my LowPro 60 case with my KX2 and all the accessories. I’ve traveled around the world and hiked numerous summits with this one bag station since 2016. I’ll post a picture here. I have the radio,spare battery, headphones,Begali Adventure paddle, log book,the AX1 and whip and the AEX1 for 30 and 40M coverage, bipod and tripod mounts (bipod attaches AX1 directly to the KX2 BNC) and necessary counterpoises plus a 25 foot 26 gauge wire for a random end fed if needed. ?It would be extremely difficult to replicate the small format and functionality of the AX1/AEX1 as a homebrewer that would fit in a small bag with all of the other components. One very small bag-and now with the KH1 I actually have an even smaller option -the AX1 is built into the radio and I can be on the air in less than a minute. I got a real kick out of seeing Hiroki’s (AH6CY) homebrew version of the KH1 ?at Pacificon last year, but I’d never take it on a plane or throw it in a backpack for a hike. You get what you pay for.? Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com? N7CQR@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 23, 2025, at 22:29, Dave AB7E via groups.io <AB7Echo@...> wrote:
?
Absolutely true.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 9:52 PM, Doug Hendricks
via groups.io wrote:
Dan, we are going to have to have a talk about the AH1.? It
is way overpriced for what it is.? You can build a far better
antenna similar to the AH1 for $10.
?
Doug
|
Actually we agree that a counterpoise is necessary for the antenna to function. What I’m mystified by is why anyone would attempt to operate it without the counterpoise. The AX1 is shipped with a counterpoise and the instructions clearly state that it’s necessary for proper use. And in fact if possible I use more than one and elevate them. This is true for all short verticals.? Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com? N7CQR@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 23, 2025, at 21:52, Doug Hendricks via groups.io <ki6ds1@...> wrote:
? Dan, we are going to have to have a talk about the AH1.? It is way overpriced for what it is.? You can build a far better antenna similar to the AH1 for $10.
?
Doug
|
Absolutely true.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 9:52 PM, Doug Hendricks
via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Dan, we are going to have to have a talk about the AH1.? It
is way overpriced for what it is.? You can build a far better
antenna similar to the AH1 for $10.
?
Doug
|
Dan, we are going to have to have a talk about the AH1.? It is way overpriced for what it is.? You can build a far better antenna similar to the AH1 for $10.
?
Doug
|
What do you mean?? Re-read my post below.? I never
said you weren't using a counterpoise ... only that it's the
counterpoise that's doing the radiating on the AX1.? What exactly
in my post do you think is incorrect ... and why?
Dave ? AB7E
?
On 3/23/2025 4:57 PM, Dan N7CQR via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Sounds like you didn’t read either of my posts which discuss using
the Elecraft supplied 13’ counterpoise. That’s why the antenna is
shipped with it. If you’re not using a counterpoise for this or
any random end fed it’ll be a lot less effective. Again-read the
literature from Jerry Serverns (ARRL antenna book) and LB Cebik on
effectiveness of short verticals and proper use of counterpoise.
Been using the AX1 since 2016 ?and now the KH1 with the same
antenna.?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
On Mar 23, 2025, at 16:42, Dave AB7E via
groups.io <AB7Echo@...> wrote:
?
I didn't say that the KX1 doesn't work, but it DOES require a
counterpoise to work very effectively.? Not too long ago an
AX1 user tested his antenna on the WSPR network with and
without the recommended 13 foot counterpoise wire.? The
results were 30 dB different.? If you aren't using a
counterpoise and still get decent results, it's most likely
that your coax is acting as the counterpoise and doing most of
the radiating.
Without a counterpoise and with a very short length of coax
(such as the KH1 with its little loaded whip), you basically
have a 4 foot long tank circuit.? Yes it will radiate, yes you
can make contacts, and yes it is very portable ... but there
are very simple alternatives that work better, cost less, and
don't take up enough more space to make a difference.? Like I
said, an end fed wire strung to a nearby bush (or even laying
on the ground) is likely to do better because it is going to
have less loss than a tightly wound coil.? If you have a tree
nearby and can throw a vertical wire over it (fed against a
counterpoise wire) you will do even better.
Anything else is your imagination.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 4:24 PM, Dan N7CQR
via groups.io wrote:
For those cynics of the AX1 two comments. Most of my QRP S2S
contacts(400 plus ) are with this antenna-to other QRP SOTA
ops and watch any number of the activations by Thomas K4SWL
using the AX1. ?Sure it’s a compromise but all antennas are
and you pick and choose when and where it’s appropriate.
It’s actually pretty effective in the field or on a summit
when deployed properly. Same with the KH1 which uses the
same antenna.?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
On Mar 23, 2025, at 14:24, Dave
AB7E via groups.io <AB7Echo@...>
wrote:
?
With either radio you're going to want to have an
antenna tuner for POTA/SOTA, and if you have an antenna
tuner you're WAY better off using an end fed wire with a
counterpoise than you are using the AX1 (which also
needs the antenna tuner).? Even if the end fed wire is
laying on the ground it will probably work better than
the AX1, and it's the counterpoise wire with the AX1
that does most of the radiating anyway!? It take
VERY little extra time to deploy the end fed wire
antenna and my opinion, the only place the AX1 comes out
on top is if you're doing pedestrian or bicycle mobile,
or maybe if you're in a motel room (but you still need
the counterpoise wire to make it work at all).
I have a KX2 with the internal tuner, and it is an
amazing tuner ... but it is very expensive.? A much
cheaper, yet perfectly viable, alternative is something
like this ATU-10:
It's small, is an autotuner, has it's own internal
rechargeable battery, costs about $80, and it works
well.? I have the 100 watt version in my shack, and my
friend uses that exact model for his QRP work.?
Here is what ChatGPT says about the KX2 versus the
IC-705:
The IC-705 gives you pretty much everything for $1,350.
The KX2 is $1,180 without the battery (additional $80
for 2.6 AH) and tuner (additional $300) ...
$1,560 if you add the battery and tuner. ?? The KX2 with
the ATU-10 ($80) and this 6 AH external battery
(less than $30) would run you a bit less than $1,300.
All of that neglects taxes and shipping.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 10:23 AM,
Brady KY4CQ via groups.io wrote:
I’m
looking to purchase my next QRP radio. I’m
primarily a CW op, with some SSB from time to
time. It’s going to be a POTA/SOTA radio, but I
also wanna be able to operate from the beach,
hotel balcony, etc when traveling. I’ve looked at
both. Budget allows for both. If I get the KX2,
I’m getting the AX1 antenna with it as well. Which
would you all recommend??
|
Sounds like you didn’t read either of my posts which discuss using the Elecraft supplied 13’ counterpoise. That’s why the antenna is shipped with it. If you’re not using a counterpoise for this or any random end fed it’ll be a lot less effective. Again-read the literature from Jerry Serverns (ARRL antenna book) and LB Cebik on effectiveness of short verticals and proper use of counterpoise. Been using the AX1 since 2016 ?and now the KH1 with the same antenna.? Dan Presley 503-701-3871 danpresley@me. com? N7CQR@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 23, 2025, at 16:42, Dave AB7E via groups.io <AB7Echo@...> wrote:
?
I didn't say that the KX1 doesn't work, but it DOES require a
counterpoise to work very effectively.? Not too long ago an AX1 user
tested his antenna on the WSPR network with and without the
recommended 13 foot counterpoise wire.? The results were 30 dB
different.? If you aren't using a counterpoise and still get decent
results, it's most likely that your coax is acting as the
counterpoise and doing most of the radiating.
Without a counterpoise and with a very short length of coax (such as
the KH1 with its little loaded whip), you basically have a 4 foot
long tank circuit.? Yes it will radiate, yes you can make contacts,
and yes it is very portable ... but there are very simple
alternatives that work better, cost less, and don't take up enough
more space to make a difference.? Like I said, an end fed wire
strung to a nearby bush (or even laying on the ground) is likely to
do better because it is going to have less loss than a tightly wound
coil.? If you have a tree nearby and can throw a vertical wire over
it (fed against a counterpoise wire) you will do even better.
Anything else is your imagination.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 4:24 PM, Dan N7CQR via
groups.io wrote:
For those cynics of the AX1 two comments. Most of my QRP S2S
contacts(400 plus ) are with this antenna-to other QRP SOTA ops
and watch any number of the activations by Thomas K4SWL using the
AX1. ?Sure it’s a compromise but all antennas are and you pick and
choose when and where it’s appropriate. It’s actually pretty
effective in the field or on a summit when deployed properly. Same
with the KH1 which uses the same antenna.?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
On Mar 23, 2025, at 14:24, Dave AB7E via
groups.io <AB7Echo@...> wrote:
?
With either radio you're going to want to have an antenna
tuner for POTA/SOTA, and if you have an antenna tuner you're
WAY better off using an end fed wire with a counterpoise than
you are using the AX1 (which also needs the antenna tuner).?
Even if the end fed wire is laying on the ground it will
probably work better than the AX1, and it's the
counterpoise wire with the AX1 that does most of the
radiating anyway!? It take VERY little extra time to
deploy the end fed wire antenna and my opinion, the only place
the AX1 comes out on top is if you're doing pedestrian or
bicycle mobile, or maybe if you're in a motel room (but you
still need the counterpoise wire to make it work at all).
I have a KX2 with the internal tuner, and it is an amazing
tuner ... but it is very expensive.? A much cheaper, yet
perfectly viable, alternative is something like this ATU-10:
It's small, is an autotuner, has it's own internal
rechargeable battery, costs about $80, and it works well.? I
have the 100 watt version in my shack, and my friend uses that
exact model for his QRP work.?
Here is what ChatGPT says about the KX2 versus the IC-705:
The IC-705 gives you pretty much everything for $1,350.
The KX2 is $1,180 without the battery (additional $80 for 2.6
AH) and tuner (additional $300) ... $1,560 if you add
the battery and tuner. ?? The KX2 with the ATU-10 ($80) and
this 6 AH external battery (less than $30) would run
you a bit less than $1,300.
All of that neglects taxes and shipping.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/23/2025 10:23 AM, Brady
KY4CQ via groups.io wrote:
I’m
looking to purchase my next QRP radio. I’m primarily a
CW op, with some SSB from time to time. It’s going to be
a POTA/SOTA radio, but I also wanna be able to operate
from the beach, hotel balcony, etc when traveling. I’ve
looked at both. Budget allows for both. If I get the
KX2, I’m getting the AX1 antenna with it as well. Which
would you all recommend??
|
Nick G4IWO
Richard AG5M
Brian N4TRB
David Wilcox K8WPE