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Reviews For: RadioSet-Go KX2 Retrofit

Category: QRP Accessories

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Review Summary For : RadioSet-Go KX2 Retrofit
Reviews: 1MSRP: 499
Description:
RadioSet-GO will install your Elecraft KX2 into a rugged, water-tight Pelican enclosure. (The box has a latching lid and convenient carrying handle. Black is the default, but there are a few other color options available.) The transceiver will be mounted to a black, anodized aluminum control panel which has engraved and infilled labeling. The panel fits snugly into the Pelican case and is secured with standoff spacers. Heat generated from the transmitter dissipates through direct contact with the control panel.

All original KX2 jacks are extended to the front panel so you can use any accessories you normally would. The internal rechargeable li-ion battery is replaced and the wiring is modified, allowing it to be charged while installed via a dedicated charging jack. Another jack can be used to run the transceiver and accessories off external DC power source. The transceiver automatically switches to the higher voltage source, internal battery or external DC. The additional accessories of the retrofit conversion (mentioned below) are switched on and off between the two sources with a double throw toggle switch.

Two front facing 5 watt speakers with stereo amplification produce clean, strong, room filling audio - many times better than the built-in speaker. Left and right audio channels are maintained so it is possible to use the simultaneous dual frequency receive feature of the KX2 without needing earphones. An analog zero-beat tuning circuit illuminates LEDs across the panel making it fun to tune CW stations in quickly. (This compliments the KX2 feature which auto zero-beats a close station, and is helpful for crowded band conditions or contesting.)

Integrated touch keys (which are rounded end caps) allow for fast and accurate CW sending without the need of any additional external key or the possibility of mechanical failure. They are mounted through the Pelican box, on the front right side by default. You may request otherwise if desired.

All original KX2 features and functions are preserved or enhanced by this conversion. If you ever decide you don't like it, with some simple tools it is easy to take the radio out of the enclosure and return it back to its original form.

Outer dimensions: 8.5" width, 7" depth, 4" height.
Weight: 3lbs 3oz
Product is in production
More Info: http://radiosetgo.com/prestashop/index.php?id_product=17&controller=product
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
NI0C Rating: 2018-12-28
Protects and enhances the KX2 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
When I travel with my Elecraft KX2, I always put it in a Pelican case and carry it in a daypack.

Hanz, W1JSB, has installed the KX2 semi-permanently in a small (size 1120) Pelican case, with all external jacks broken out to an extremely attractive front panel, and added a stereo audio amplifier and speakers, plus an LED CW zero beat indicator. (My zero beat indicator was setup for a pitch frequency of 600 Hz).

He also offers a novel CW touch keyer paddle attached to a corner of the Pelican case, but I chose to forgo this feature and use an external paddle instead.

An important feature of the retrofit is a convenient charging jack for the 3x Tenergy 18650 Li-On (11.1V, 2.6 Ah) battery that powers the radio and the added circuitry. A three position toggle switch is used to select the power source (internal battery or external source) and turn off the speaker amplifier and zero beat indicator circuitry.

So here's why I like this enhancement for my KX2:

1.) No more pulling the KX2 out of the travel case and setting it up.
2.) No more wear and tear on the KX2 connectors for audio, key, antenna, power, computer control.
3.) No more opening up the KX2 case in order to swap batteries.
4.) Greatly enhanced speaker volume, with stereo speakers to use the dual watch feature of the KX2.
5.) Zero beating a CW station without squinting at the tiny CWT indicator on the KX2 display.
6.) It looks good in my station, yet I can pull it out at a moments notice and carry it away for a portable adventure.