Just ordered the AX1 February special pack. Looking forward to trying it out! And, yes. They should definitely be sponsoring you!

I have been use my for over a year. I made small PVC pipe to help to protect the antenna’s on SOTA and POTA activations. The antenna’s work grate and fast setups. Nice job👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎

Excellent explanation, Thomas. I'm finally in a position to pull the trigger on a KX2 (retirement). These antennas seem to be a great addition to the ease and use of the radio.

I built a QRPGuys DS-1 which you mentioned. I’ve had similar results to what you have experienced Thomas … though no DX yet. Lots of POTA contacts and I love the quick setup. As you said the counterpoise is essential. It is clearly not as rugged as the Elecraft AX series but the experience of building it and the 40 meter coil was lots of fun. Thanks for all the videos and blog posts!

Thank you Thomas! I had already decided to get the AX1 and this video confirmed my decision. Thanks for bumping this to the head of the line for all of us.

Thomas, I've worked Japan with a 20m Hamstick clamped to a rusty steel fence post. If the other station can hear you with that antenna and QRP power levels generally you'll hear them.

Excellent discussion! I really need to order an AX2. Regarding the AX1, I have been able to get a good match on 10 meters by collapsing the top 1.5 to 2 sections. And, regarding the AXE1, I have been able to get a good match on 30 meters by putting the AX1's switch in the 17 meter position and then attaching the short (13 foot) counterpoise. In both cases I had the antenna mounted on a small tripod using the AXT1 adapter. (YMMV, of course!)

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this.

The AX1 antenna is awesome. Yes, it works well on 15 and 17m. I have made several DX contacts, as well as contacts across the US, with this antenna and my KX3 using 5w power.

Thomas, you are very good at spending my money! Between the Red Ox Bags, Tom Bihn Bags and now these antennas to add to my KX-2 Kit! Keep up the awesome videos! Cheers and 73 KL7CA

Thanks! Ordering the AX2 for my QCX-Mini on 20 meters.

What a fun set up for Field Day! After working 2022's Field Day with only my KX3 and the AX1, that's the only way I care to operate in the future. Great video Thomas!

I ordered the tripod mount due to this video. I've already got KX3/PX3/AX1/AX2/40m coil/bypod. So being able to get it a few ft away and up just a little might improve things even more. Thank you for your videos... please keep up the good work.

Thanks for the video! I just ordered the kit with 40mm coil. I do a lot of POTA (SSB) and plan to use with my KX3 and IC-705 with mat tuner.

nice vid thx - very comprehensive - with the issue of change in capacitance by touching the radio - i just added a static strap to my kit - clip to the gnd and put on the wrist - done 🙂 - like the cap hat idea - will try that as well - as you say it will perform differently everywhere you deploy - so its better to have a range of solutions - and yes - it took me a while to work out the counterpoise is mandatory - read the manual but ignored the advice lol - good advice on tuning the counterpoise as well - roll it up and clip it or velcro cable tie it - all the lessons here apply to the short antennas from other manufacturers as well

Supporting what you've said about not getting good results without the counterpoise: The first time I tried my AX1 I mounted it on the KX2 and thought the received signals were pretty low. Then I realized that such a small antenna was going to require the preamp so i turned that on and, of course, signals jumped up a bit. Then I realized that I was still holding my counterpoise wire (with mini banana plug) in my hand (duh). I plugged it in and tossed it out and -WOW- amazing increase in received signal strength! The counterpoise is definitely needed. AND -- I just ordered the AX2 bundle last night. Thanks!!!

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that!

You can also hook the counterpoise with an alligator clip to the bi-pod and get the same result as the ground connection on the radio as it is part of ground as well, and makes hook up even quicker 73 J

I've been trying wonder antennas for decades. Some have been great fun, no doubt, but none of them have been as effective as a vertical against a good ground, a resonant dipole or an efhw. Literally, those three antennas are the best performing that you can get for portable/ temporary use and for sure the best price to homebrew.... 1) A 1/4 wave vertical with a decent ground 2) A resonant dipole, straight as you can get it, twisted to fit the space if needed or Inverted V from a tree.. do what you can. They all get out. 3) An end-fed halfwave, as high as you can get it. Don't waste time and money on wonder antennas.. you cannot change the laws of physics. The more wire in the air the better... work to that. The more wire the better...

@ThomasK4SWL

10 ай бұрын

Antennas like the AX1 and AX2 offer a level of portability that's difficult to replicate. Indeed, some of my most rapid POTA activations have been completed with these antennas. It's true that you can't break the laws of physics, but yesterday I did work a station in Florida using the AX2 from here in the mountains of North Carolina, in a deep valley, under the roof of a picnic shelter using a whopping 0.1 Watts. I completed the rest of the activation with 5 watts. This, on a day with very poor propagation. They're not magic, but they are an option.

I love my AX-1 for exactly the reasons you explained. I worked the US from Central Berlin with 5W when I had it on a mag mount (PL to BNC adapter) on my car's roof and a counterpoise running from the mag mount to a tree next to the car sort of like an upper/outer config.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Wow! That's amazing!

I can confirm that the AX1 in AK works, but only during good conditions using modes like CW or FT8.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that, Eric!

I’ve had good luck with the AX1 mostly when using more than 5 watts. I use the tripod mount on top of an extendable shooting stick purchased from Amazon (about 5 ft high). I also attach a linked radial made from 22awg wire. I use the capacity hat and slide it up or down depending on the band I’m using. This and my MTR4B go into a small Tupperware container, which goes into my pack when I mountain bike or go for a climb. Cheers AG7YB.

Ordered the AX-1. I was waiting for a special from Elecraft.

Hi Thomas, you asked if there were similar antennas. Amazon sells one that I’ve had good results from. GRA-1899T. $88.50 Same as MFJ’s 1899T. I use a metal tape measure as a counter poise. And now I see they came out with an 8 mono band package with a extendable whip from 40 m to 6 meters. $129 GRA-750T. So you can use your kx2 as a handi-talkie. I did buy elecraft’s tripod adapter for my 1899t. I did consider the AX1 when it came out.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Noted! Thank you for the tips!

Wow, imagine AX-2 & QCX-Mini & Palm Radio Pico Paddle & a small battery as a pedestrian mobile setup.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

I may have to pair those. I've got them all (as of two days ago) and my QCX-Mini is a 20M version!

My results with the AX1 mirror yours. Calling CQ around the SKCC and QRP calling frequencies work, also, but i never expect results like when I'm spotted and people are looking for me.!

Mid-way through watching this and I spot you on the RBN -- finally snagged my first contact with you (on 17m), which is also my first contact in that band since upgrading to General!

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Woo hoo! I'm honored! Keep up the great work!

That's how I got my AX1, it was cheap with free shipping. I haven't had the time to test it yet. :(

Great video Thomas! I'd wish the UK embraced POTA as much as you guys do, as you always seems to have fun and bring an enjoyment to the hobby! I hope that one day we will log each other either via SSB or via CW DX once I have brought my speed up.. Now learning CW thanks to your videos I came across when coming back into the hobby! Thanks again and best DX'ing de M0DQO

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Brilliant job on your CW journey, Chris! You've got this! You know, I'm seeing more and more UK parks on the POTA Spots page. Indeed, in the past three weeks I've even worked P2P with M0TTQ! I hope we can log each other sometime this year. Best, Thomas (K4SWL / M0CYI)

I need to play around with the AX1 a lot more. Where I live it is very good at receiving but not very good at transmitting. I unfortunately Live in an area where there are many electric fences, grow lights, etc. In the summer time I will sometimes use it in some of the parks I operate in because it is so low profile and no one really notices it. Good video, 73.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Hi, Bill, Yes, and the AX1 as a vertical is not a great antenna when in the presence of heavy RFI. That's where a mag loop would shine. Thank you, OM!

Another solid informative video from K4SWL. 👍👍 I have the AX1, and was not happy with the Bi-pod arrangement. It was too fiddly and wobbly for my liking. Also, I also noticed the issue of body capacitance. So, now I use a separate compact antenna Tri-pod with the Elecraft Tri-pod Adapter on my outings (GABIL: GRA-ULTO1 Mark2). Yes, it adds 1.1 Lbs.to my load-out, but it offers a much sturdier and versatile mount. PS: YES! I use the radials. 😃

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this tip, Douglas!

The dilemma for me is to decide to live with my QRPGuys 40-20M 3-band antenna which works about as simply once tuned. Then I just have to find a 17 M antenna, which can be a vertical or a Speaker-wire dipole that also includes the speaker-wire as a feedline in tribute to Jerry, KG6HQD. If I am not careful, I will end up with 100 different antennas to populate all of my bags, LOL Cheers & thanks for the discussion, Thomas! Davey - KU9L

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

The more antennas the more better! :) Ha ha! That speaker wire antenna is a great one, too. Can't beat the price.

Thanks for the video Thomas - I have been thinking about an ax1 for some time - the sale seems like a good excuse to buy one. I ordered a KX2 last November which is getting ready to ship - maybe they can ship together. I got an email from Elecraft letting me know that the internal battery charging option is now available, so I opted to go for that as well. Very excited

@halledwardb

Жыл бұрын

Cool. I really want to get more info on that battery charger. I've have a 705, but have really wanted an kx2 for a while now.

@Johnmfoss

Жыл бұрын

@@halledwardb ordered mine on 11/02 and still don’t have a firm ship date. They did email me for payment so I know it’s getting close. You really have to want one to wait so long, but I’m like a kid in December.

I only have the AX2, but it is amazing! I’ve concluded that it is powered by voodoo because there is no other explanation for why I have been so successful with it. I use it exclusively on a small tripod with a 3 foot coax jumper to the radio. No tuner required anywhere I have used it in multiple states. I regularly have contacts from all corners of the lower 48 and Canada. I have even gotten Alaska from Maryland with it!

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

It is powered by voodoo. We just can't get Elecraft to admit it!

@SteveBerwick

Жыл бұрын

SSB? Wattage?

@Matt61702

Жыл бұрын

@@SteveBerwick it was CW with 10 watts. I’m sure the distant station did all the heavy lifting!

I log using my cell phone. Usint the AX1 on my KX2, it causes my cell phone to go crazy and I cannot log contacts.

I guess they insulate the Bi-Pod so not connected to the ground side, my error 73 J

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

They do, no worries. You can also clip to the outside of the BNC, but I find the connection to the KX2 lug pretty easy. There's even a small hole in the sider of the KX2 chassis for a micro banana plug to ground! I keep forgetting about that.

Hi. How strong is that plastic clasp from the Bipod? Is it safe to remove/attach it many times? Thanks

@ThomasK4SWL

Ай бұрын

Mine has never broken and I've removed it numerous times. It's pretty sturdy.

Thomas: Have you had any luck with using AX1 indoors? CW vs SSB?

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

You know? It's been over two year, but I did chase a couple of parks from inside a cabin once. Success is very much dependent on QRM levels. Vertical antennas tend to receive RFI easily. It can certainly be done, though!

Excellent review. Have you used it with your IC-705?

@ThomasK4SWL

10 ай бұрын

Indeed, I have: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZKh_yY-OetuyppM.htmlsi=rAg3Sqs2hfQTmXJY

@ThomasK4SWL

10 ай бұрын

Also: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iouXsrqrlNK8ctY.htmlsi=XDB0m80TTmGd7VC8

Hi, have you tried either antenna on the IC-705? If you have, how well did it perform? Regards, De Elodie, 2E0MZA

@ThomasK4SWL

3 ай бұрын

Yes I have. You need a matching device to make it work. Fortunately they're super easy to build. Here's an activation: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iouXsrqrlNK8ctY.html

Is there a difference between using a counterpoise at the antenna vs the radio? I have an FT818, which also has a ground lug on the back. Also, is raising the counterpoise always desirable? Does the height or angle make a noticeable difference?

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Complicated answer. :) I think, ideally, you would place the counterpoise at the antenna IF the antenna isn't directly attached to the radio. A raised counterpoise can be a more efficient practice, but then the counterpoise length can make it tricky to get a good match since loaded antennas like this have such a high Q. The AX1 was designed around the idea of the counterpoise being coupled to the ground. That said, a little experimentation with an elevated counterpoise could yield excellent results. It'll just be a bit fiddly.

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you! I guess it takes a little tinkering, like most things in radio! I tried a similar antenna (HFJ-350) last weekend in my yard, and had promising results, but I have yet to give it a real field test. Thanks for the advice, very helpful!

@truckinguy92

5 ай бұрын

@I believe that in the instructions it says to raise the counterpoise off the ground if possible. Like Thomas said though it needs to be tuned when not lying on the ground.

I would love to get both radios, but the KX-1, where do you find this?! It’s not in production anymore.

@ThomasK4SWL

7 ай бұрын

No, the the Elecraft KX1 has been out of production (it was a kit only) for a few years now. Used prices these days are still quite high, too.

After watching you video I pulled the trigger on the Ax2. It was 109 with out the bifold stand. That was an additional 31 dollars. They also charged 11 dollars for standard shipping. Not sure if that is a February sell.

@TridentMissileTech

Жыл бұрын

I mean Ax1 not ax2

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Please contact Elecraft ASAP and make sure you clicked ont he correct sales link. Do it before they pack and ship if you can.

@TridentMissileTech

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL I got the package. Been seeing you use the antenna many times never ever wanting it. But your video lit a fire when you said it was on sale. Cant wait to try it out. You sold me on it.

@TridentMissileTech

Жыл бұрын

Got my ax1 package. And an idea for a video. It would be interesting to see a icom 705 paired with the elecraft portable antenna tuner t1 and the ax1 or ax2. You may have already done that.

Thomas, how are you working 15m with the AX1??? I have used my KX3 & AX1 on several POTA activations. Mostly 20, 17 & 40M PHONE, I like to "elevate" my ground radials (running them parallel to the ground 2 or 3 feet off the ground). I have worked 4 or 5 EU countries from K-2755 with the tripod mount and 10" of RG316. 73, K4OKI

@buildstoys

Жыл бұрын

Your KX3 will tune up on 15m with the AX1 in the 17m position.

@POTA-QRP

Жыл бұрын

@@buildstoys thanks for the reply, I should have phased my question better, outside of the 17m switch how are you using it... example being where I run my radials a few feet off the ground... I am always open to tips & tricks to improve efficiency especially when rolling QPR.

@buildstoys

Жыл бұрын

@@POTA-QRP I agree, running the radials above ground definitely helps. My only other suggestion to try if you have not yet, as Thomas suggests, is to build a couple capacity hats and experiment with using them. I find it easier to slightly adjust (collapse) the lowest section of the whip, whereas Thomas mentions lowering the capacity hat itself.

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

Impressive work with your AX1! I agree with @Some Assembly Required's thoughts. This weekend, I was able to get a 1.8:1 match with my KX2 and AX1 on 15 meters. It's not as good as the 1:1 matches on the other bands, but it'll suffice. Your KX3 can easily handle 2:1 and even higher at low power.

Do you have the new KXIBC2 battery charger for the KX2? If so please review. I’m really wanting it but I want to make sure it’s worth it. I know Elecraft so I’m pretty sure it’s great. I just hate removing the battery to charge. Thanks

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

It has been ordered! Probably a good week before I receive it.

Hawaii - There’s really only one thing Elecraft can do to disprove those comments: they need to send you there to do an activation with only a KX2, an AX1 or 2. That will really show you what’s what. 😂

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

I 150% agree! Send me to Hawaii, Elecraft! Are you listening?!?! :)

NO NO dont AX the Elecraft!!

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

HA HA HA!