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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
G4NRT Rating: 2015-01-17
Top Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered the full kit for both KX3 and PX3. They arrived at my QTH in the UK very quickly and extremely well packaged.

They were extremely easy to fit and the instructions were excellent.

This kit, along with my VE7FMN Heatsink makes my Elecraft one of the best looking and best protected ones in the UK.

Very highly recommended indeed!
DK1EY Rating: 2015-01-12
Great Product - Not compatible with N8BX weighted tuning knob! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It is a great addition for KX3 and also the PX3-Version is great. Well made and constructed.

Sadly the SideKX Lexan-cover is not useable if you have installed a weighted tuning knob from 73CNC.com/N8BX. The height of the knob makes it impossible to place the Lexan cover.

Due to the fact that the quality of the tuning knob is so great and - in my opinion - more necessary than the SideKX, I will resell the SideKX.
KW4M Rating: 2014-12-27
Excellent addition to KX3 Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The Side KX ends have been installed on my KX3 for several months now. In that time the rig has been on numerous outings to the field.

As Murphy has repeatedly proven, accidents can and do happen. The handles provide protection to the front controls in the event the radio is inadvertently knocked onto its face. They also make it easier to pull the rig out of its padded carrying case by providing something to grasp while lifting.

Installation was easy. The appearance matches the radio very well, enough so that it could be mistaken as an option provided by Elecraft. The quality is that good.

Several knock-off copies have shown up in the marketplace since Scott made these available. But none have surpassed the quality of the original. It is still the best.

Great job, Scott!
N7ACM Rating: 2014-12-19
Great Product! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This was a great add-on to the KX3 and recommended for others as it provides great protection and so far have seen no issues. Was easy to install.
AA4BQ Rating: 2014-12-18
Easy Install / Awesome accessory Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.

It took all of about 10 minutes to install the two side panels. It is important to use the correct size screw driver #6 and the 10mm socket to avoid scratching the nice, new panels (or original ones being removed.

I didn't find it necessary to open up the KX3. The mic connector was no problem re-installing/re-threading.

The plastic cover snaps perfectly into the side handles. To remove the clear cover in the field, it requires a little technique to squeeze the end of the plastic housing vs. just using brut force to pull it apart. But that's my personal preference, however.

This is a great product and should keep Murphy from causing excessive wear and tear to the digital display. I give it 5-stars. I hope this review helps you.

73,
Bill
N6BOB Rating: 2014-10-02
Saved my KX3 today Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have been using the KX3 in the field for the past year and today was glad I had the cover and end plates in place to protect it. I had just finished connecting the battery and antenna. A large dog came out of nowhere into the field where I was about to operate and started sniffing around as if to do his business.
The rig cover was still in place as the dog entangled himself in the coax and pulled the rig off my portable tv tray desk to the ground. It survived with out a scratch.

The cover and end plates were never needed until today's event. Not a broken knobs or scratched paint and the display remains in perfect unblemished condition.

Got to love a product that does exactly what it should do in an unexpected event.
N6BOB
LA9VKA Rating: 2014-10-02
Must have product. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Good quality product, and excellent service. Absolutely a must buy for the KX3.
W0RIK Rating: 2013-12-02
Excellent Service Too Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Totally agree with everything folks are saying here about the quality of the product. Plus how useful it is and how well designed.

Here's the thing: One reason we buy Elecraft stuff is the incredible customer service. Scott must have Elecraft in his DNA. I emailed him to say my package arrived missing the end panels. Within 24 hours he sent replacements, no questions asked.

So, excellent product and excellent service too.
N9JR Rating: 2013-10-13
Gotta have this! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
An amazing aesthetic and functional accessory for the KX3. It fills the void of protecting the front panel and looks like it could be Elecraft issue. Yes, it's that good.

10 minutes to install and you are good to go. If you never take your KX3 into the great outdoors you probally don't need it. But if you do it is an absolute necessity.

Modestly priced, it is an inexpensive insurance policy for the radio. The Side KX plates and cover are an absolute must have if you play with your radio outdoors.

Your mileage may vary, but I found this to be a great accessory to a great radio.
K2ACK Rating: 2013-10-11
Logical add-on Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've had this for around 7 months. I love the security it brings to throwing the KX3 in a pack for a day trip. Great product, easy to fit and good balance of protection with lightweight use of polycarbonate. Works as advertised and looks like an OEM part.