This video starts a new playlist on my channel, devoted to minimalist, often QRP radio set-ups. I called it "Radio Minimus". This time I took my Elecraft KX2 and its antenna AX1, the most minimalist design I've ever seen to the forest park. The Elecraft people put this antenna as a "walking-and-talking" design, and it certainly is. Actually, the whole radio with this antenna becomes a "walkie-talkie" on HF! But what can I really make with this antenna? Can I hear anything? Anybody would answer me? Well, I've tried and can confirm - yes, it is possible to make contacts with this set-up but you have to be just patient. This antenna is base-loaded with a coil with the switch to change between 20m and 17m bands. Strangely enough, the antenna is not resonant on neither of them, it takes a built-in KX2 tuner to get it tuned. It seems that was made on purpose by the designers. I'd be glad to hear comments from you other guys what was your experience with this Elecraft "toy"!
In my next videos in this playlist I'm gonna make more stories on how other simple radios and antennas work, like 3m home made vertical on a cheap fishing pole, how does the QRP radio called "Moskita" doing on 40m , why I still keep my FT-817 radio, etc. Stay tuned, subscribe if you feel like this! 73! Linas LY2H
