Hi Paul, great rig/ ant set up you have.
73 de Geoff vk3sq
1 Like
I have both the KX2 and KX3 and find that the KX2 is superior in many respects for SOTA specifically. First, there is a significant difference in size that is not noticeable until you have both rigs side by side. The KX2 obviously being the smaller of the two. Additionally, you have the ability to do voice without the use of a handheld microphone with the KX@. This is not an option for the KX3. That said, you do get additional frequency coverage with the KX3, including the ability to have 2m, which can be beneficial, and the additional knowbs and buttons makes it a little easier to operate directly from the face of the radio without having to go into menus. Additionally, the KX3 gives you options for microwave if that is something you are looking to have as well. At the end of the day, if I had to pick one for SOTA, it would be the KX2, but the KX3 is an awesome radio and I use it as my main radio at home for that reason.
1 Like
Thanks Geoff! The antenna is an end fed half wave with an 4:1 unun design from qrpguys.com (but purchased on eBay). I modified it so I can use a banana plug to connect the antenna, and also added the capability to use a counterpoise (so I can experiment with different setups). The pole is a fibreglass 7 metre pole I had in the shed (used previously as a flag pole for festivals!), and it is held up with a carbon fibre stake. I am on the high tide line so the sand is firm enough to hold the pegs and the stake. I will use this antenna setup with the KX3, and I also have a sotabeams BandSpringer midi to play with.
I shall keep the ft-897 for use at home, assuming I am not blown away by a better performing KX3…!
1 Like