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Reviews For: SIDE KX

Category: Specialized Amateur Communication Products

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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
NX3P Rating: 2016-07-20
Long wait, but the product is outstanding! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
During October 2015, the bug bit me and I jumped on the purchase of an Elecraft KX3. As the controls are top mounted and using a QRP radio out in the field is not without risks, I decided that the SIDE KX panels and lexan cover were in order. Reviews indicated that this product is well crafted.

I placed my order, even though there was was an issue on the cover production that the vendor indicated on his web site. I figured it would be a month or so, so I went ahead and ordered the entire package.

Months went buy as the vendor kept testing molds to make sure quality stayed top notch. I met the vendor at the QRP ARCI Four Days in May event. He showed examples of why the covers were not shipping. He said that the wait will be worth it.

Today I received a box with the elusive side panels and cover. I followed the simple directions, and removed the factory side plates and installed the SIDE KX panels. They feel every bit as quality made as factory and paint quality was very good. Once installed, I removed the plastic wrap from the lexan panel. All I can say is that the wait, while long was worth it. I can now take my KX3 to the field and not have nearly the worry.

Scott is a very ethical business man that makes a great product.

73 Stan NX3P
Harvest, Alabama
WU6X Rating: 2016-07-17
Excellent Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Scott has new molds and is shipping again. I decided on the cover ONLY, as the end panels make access to some controls on the KX3 more difficult to my personal operating style. The cover protects the panel when placed in the camera case I use to transport the radio. It fits with a snug fig and does the job perfectly! I highly recommend this product. Dennis-WU6X
W1IE Rating: 2016-07-17
An excellent product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Saw this product at Dayton about two years ago just across the Elecraft booth. Since I wanted to have a QRP rig with me on my motorcycle trips, I thought that the side ends and the cover was the answer to the vibration and weather concerns. It was!. Very easy to install the end caps and after that, the cover slips on providing a very good fit again the elements. I recommend these two products wholeheartedly and without reservation.
KE2SX Rating: 2016-06-23
Superb Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I first saw these on another ham's website that featured his KX3 and he recommended them (thanks W2TAC). I followed his link to the gemsproducts website and knew this would be the supplier for me, and ordered them as soon as my kx3 arrived. Fit and finish are excellent and installation couldn't be easier - maybe 10 minutes only because I was so cautious handling the radio. These end panels will go a long way to protect the very delicate knobs on the KX3, and they also allow a more sure grip on the radio when handling it. Also got the KXPD port cover panel for when the paddle is not attached during transportation.

I also ordered the lexan cover and will review it when it arrives. But - I messed up my original order, and Scott wasted no time in correcting MY mistake and made everything right - the panels arrived 2 days later. So, communication and customer service are excellent as well.

For those in the US who care about such things, buy from this US company and not from eBay. And of course wherever you are, buy from this company!

Highly recommended.

KE2SX
K6GVW Rating: 2016-06-17
Great KX accessory! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought for my KX2 after experience with same product on my KX3 and PX3. I can break anything, so the added protection of these side plates is invaluable. Personally, I think they add to the already great look of the KX2! Be sure to watch the installation video referenced on the SIDE KX website...helps a lot. Highly recommend.
KC1CCR Rating: 2016-05-31
High Quality essential accessory for the Elecraft KX2 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am a big fan of the SideKX panels from GEMS products, having owned them for the KX3/PX3. The KX2 version is no exception, very high quality, accurate dimensions and perfectly matches the finish of the KX2. Ordered mine on Friday, arrived in the mail on Tuesday. Took all of ten minutes to install. I followed VA2SS's advice from his YouTube video of removing the red wire by carefully removing the connector from its shell, instead of de-soldering the red wire from the BNC connector. Can hardly wait for the Lexan cover to be available. Right through this process Scott was very prompt and patient in responding to my emails, bugging him about when the panels would be available. In every which way, GEMS, Scott and their products are exemplary.
K7UTX Rating: 2016-05-16
Excellent Product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used Side KX panels and covers for a pair of KX3/PX3 units for the past two plus years. One combo is 'shack bound' while the other has been a constant travel bag and trail companion with many hard miles of use. The Side KX is well designed and the production quality is excellent. Installation is quick and easy. And the fit of the side panels and formed cover provide rock solid protection to KX3 & PX3. In addition, Scott is very responsive to questions and requests. Great product; excellent company to do business with!
AD7KG Rating: 2016-04-27
Adding Protection to KX3 is Easy Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Product was shipped very soon after ordering... great service. Adding the SideKX panels was almost as easy as changing the batteries. Installation only involves four screws and the 10mm mic nut. It only took me about 15 minutes to swap the originals with the SideKX panels.

The quality of the parts is excellent and the fit is perfect. The handles also help keep a grip on the KX3.
K6SIA Rating: 2015-10-03
Great addition to the KX3 & PX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received my Side KX (and PX3 kit too) swiftly! In fact, it showed up surprisingly quick...

This piece of kit is a great enhancement to the KX3. It's high quality materials, fit and finish, down to the lettering. It's accurate, well-engineered, and well machined. The KX3 is a highly portable radio...*THIS* is what you need to protect your KX3 from dust, accidentally tweaking buttons and knobs, and harm, such as impact to the screen and controls, during transport or accidental fall (of the radio, or things above or around it). With the kit on, the radio looks like it "just should've come that way."

The website is very clear as to availability of items, pricing, and shipping. The seller is super responsive, helpful, and eager to ensure his customers are pleased.

NOTE: There are cheap knock-offs selling on Ebay - the real deal is only available from the seller's website. I understand the ones from Ebay are nearly as nice and take quite a bit of time to arrive from China. Buy the original, and encourage the original inventor to make more good stuff!!
AC2JB Rating: 2015-09-14
Cashed check, panels never shipped! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Oh what a great deal, I paid for KX3 side panels & cover and never received them!

Be careful, back ordering delay is one issue, paid-for product never showing up is another.
The promptness and reliability of the seller/shipper is part of the product review and the overall quality of the product.