Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: SIDE KX

Category: Specialized Amateur Communication Products

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : SIDE KX
Reviews: 59MSRP: 64
Description:
Replacement End Panels for the Elecraft KX-3 and a snap on Lexan cover.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.gemsproducts.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00594.9
AI5RB Rating: 2017-02-24
Beautiful Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I decided I needed to protect my KX3 from the shack dust and when I travel. I was a little worried that the Sides would protrude and be in the way, but I finally obtained the Side KX3 sides,top, and paddle cover. I worried needlessly. These are sweet additions! I ordered them online and had them here in two days. The instructions are simple to follow. They are perfect and beautiful. For home desktop to travel protection, these are a must!
W3SDR Rating: 2017-02-23
Great products Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had purchased a KX3 at Dayton several years back and at the time purchased the side panels and the molded cover.
So later when I added the PX3 to my portable station I naturally added the side panels and cover for protection.
Since these covers are the new injection molded ones Scott gave me a great deal on upgrading the one for my KX3 as well. Fit and finish are fantastic. All their products are top quality.
73
Smitty W3SDR
W2XS Rating: 2017-02-21
Very nice Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought a new KX2 on Black Friday. Received the Gemsproducts side panels and plastic cover as a Christmas gift. I opened up the KX2 and gasped when I saw thermal pads inside the unit that weren't on the new panels. Turned out that these were part of a brand new Elecraft upgrade called the KX2MDKTHS which Elecraft sells for under $5. I bought the kit, but you might be able to transfer the pads from the old panels to the new ones. Once I received the kit, I tackled the installation of the panels. The instructions on the Gemsproducts website were very good. I completed the installation quickly and didn't lose any of the hardware! And, even with the new panels on, the KX2 still fits inside the large Lowepro case that I bought with the rig.

73, John W2XS
KC8TYA Rating: 2017-02-11
Very nice! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Install was easy, looks great.
I feel the radio is well protected.
I have the KX3

KC8TYA
KM6AB Rating: 2016-10-30
Side KX and cover for KX2 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had previously used the side panels and Lexan cover for my KX3 and was thrilled when Scott came out with the same for my new KX2. I noticed the KX2 side panels are a bit more complex in their design due to the way Elecraft hogged out and recessed some of the connectors, but Scott managed to elegantly duplicate the look and feel of the original side panels while adding the needed handles. They are rock solid like the KX3 version and I’m still confused why Elecraft doesn’t put protective handles like these on all radios from the factory.
Installation took a little more time than the KX3 version because you have to carefully remove a wire in the internal antenna connector then put it back, but there are great instructions on how to do this and no soldering is involved.
I also got the Lexan cover for my KX2 and was surprised at both the crisp and clean look compared to my older KX3 cover and also how tight and secure it fits. I’m told the KX2 covers are injection molded to a higher tolerance than the previous KX3 version and the smaller size probably makes it a little stiffer than the KX3 version when removing from the radio.
I had to learn a new way to remove the KX2 cover, which turns out to be the same way the instructional video shows on Scott’s site. You have to press in the side of the Lexan cover through the opening in the handle, and then it can easily be slid out from the handle and removed. I can see some people being a little squeamish putting pressure on the Lexan cover when removing but the stuff is bullet proof and will not break. In the end the Lexan cover will never come loose from the radio until you want to remove it and I like the added security.
I am as thrilled to have the side panels and cover on my little Elecraft rigs as I am to have the Elecraft rigs. Scott’s side panels and covers are the final touch to these amazing little rigs and they give me piece of mind that they will be protected wherever I might hike, paddle or bicycle to operate them.
Mike Frye KM6AB


----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by KM6AB on 2013-07-17

These little gems not only protect my KX3 while in a backpack or suitcase or whatever, they also make the radio look, well, sexy!

The quality and workmanship are outstanding and installing the side panels was fast and easy. I'm not one to baby my radios and have carried my KX3 in packs with lots of accessories just tossed in the pack to rub and scrape on the radio. Surprisingly the Lexan cover looks fine and is much more scratch resistant than I thought it would be. Its really tough stuff!


In my opinion the SideKX panels should be supplied with every new KX3 from the factory.

KP4WK Rating: 2016-10-24
KX2 Cover, I was a bit skeptical at first Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was about to place an order as soon as the KX2 covers came out but saw some reviews on the forums claiming that the cover would not come off after install, I decided to hold on my purchase.
Then a few days later, I took my KX2 to the park and once again saw the need for the cover and the raised handles to protect it.
I contacted Scott at Gemsproducts and he directed me to the installation instructions on their website and reminded me that I could return the cover if I didn’t like it.
Well, I placed the order on a Thursday morning and got it on Saturday via priority mail. Wow, I’m very satisfied with this product. It was a 15-20 min pretty straight forward installation. The cover and raised handles fit nicely on my KX2.
This cover makes absolute sense to me since I didn’t like to have all the knobs and LCD exposed while transporting the rig inside my bag. With this new cover I like that it adds an extra layer of protection to the front panel besides it looks cool.
The cover snaps easily into the end panels and please be aware that it will NOT come off if you pull it straight up. You have to press a little on the side handle opening and then up. It snaps off relatively easily once you’ve done it a few times. I actually like it and I’m not worried that it will come off during transport. I highly recommend this product for the KX2.
W7BV Rating: 2016-10-20
Outstanding KX2,KX3, PX3 accesories Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have several of Scott’s outstanding, very useful products installed on my KX3 and PX3 and recently on my KX2. These include SideKX endplates and covers as well as KXPD paddle port covers. On the KX2, the new Tall Backleg, Mount, and beta version VFO A Tuning Knob were added. The SideKX end plates are of high quality and fit perfectly on my KX3, PX3 and KX2. The covers for all three are also of excellent quality and together with the end plates provide superior protection to the equipment. My SideKX equipped KX3 has travelled in my carryon bag on multiple trips in the USA, Australia, and Europe -the newer KX2 so far only in the USA. When travelling, I remove the paddle and use the KXPD Port Cover to successfully prevent contamination of the port. The new KX2 Tall Back Leg attaches above the factory leg and provides the option of much better inclination of the KX2 for easier viewing. As indicated in its product description, the Tall Back Leg will not allow use of the KXPD2 paddle due to the bottom corners of the paddles touching the desk. However, the Tall Back Leg works beautifully when using a Begali Adventure Paddle with its angled attachment plate. The new beta version, 3D printed KX2 VFO A tuning knob with a finger dimple is a joy to use; and, I look forward to the smooth surfaced production model with elimination of the rough surface especially within the finger dimple. The KX2 Mount is an excellent method of quickly mounting the radio to any number of commercially available mounts. It is well designed and constructed and easy to use. I use it to quickly and firmly attach the radio to a clip board for arm chair operating which works very well. Finally, the service provided by Scott is first class. He responds quickly to emails and promptly ships orders for his products. I highly recommend all of these products.

----------------------
Earlier 4-star review posted by W7BV on 2016-09-18

I second all of the very positive reviews of the SideKX and covers for the KX3 and PX3 and the SideKX for the KX2. The end plates are of high quality and fit perfectly on my KX3, PX3 and KX2. The covers for all three are also of excellent quality and together with the end plates provide superior protection to the equipment. However, while the covers for he KX3 and PX3 snap into place easily, the newly available KX2 cover requires conderable pressure to install and remove. Scott tells me this is due the ends of the cover being less flexible because of being shorter. As a result, I rate the KX2 cover a 4 and all other SideKX and covers a 5.
K2WO Rating: 2016-07-26
Side KX Are Great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've purchased SideKX for my KX3 and PX3, along with the clear plastic Covers. They are absolutely great and the quality could not be better. Now that I own a KX2, I wanted the same level of protection. The SideKX were installed easily and are perfect. When the plastic cover is available, I'll order one. Scott does a great job on these products. I recommend them all highly.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by K2WO on 2015-03-09

I already owned the SideKX with face protector for my KX3 and wanted the same level of protection for my PK3. I ordered a set and they were shipped quickly, installed easily and matched the high quality of the ones for my KX3. What can I say, if you want to protect your fine Elecraft gear, this is the way to go! Thanks!
----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by K2WO on 2013-10-22

If you utilize your Elecraft KX3 for portable operation, these accesories are a must have. They are easy to install and the Side KX End Plates in combination with the Side KX Cover provide the ultimate in protection when taking your KX3 into the field. Scott ships them quickly as well. The quality is fantastic and Scott ships them quickly. Strongly recommended for all KX3 owners.
W3ATB Rating: 2016-07-26
Wanted to give Six Stars Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A friend of mine who has this product told me to get it to protect my KX3. I purchased the stunning cover with the side handles as a combo deal. The fit and finish is as good, or BETTER, than the actual KX3. Scott is a small business man and it's wonderful to be able to support him. You'll NOT be disappointed with the Side KX Lexan cover.
KG5FTI Rating: 2016-07-21
KX2 Side KX Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Received my KX2 yesterday and installed the SideKX this morning. Took about 15 minutes because of my ability level, not due to the product. The product is well made and allows protection of the control knobs when installing the battery. No issues whatsoever and I look forward to other products from GEM for the KX2 in the near future.