Elecraft KX3 & KX2 are excellent radios for handheld portable HF operation.
Elecraft KX2 is the better option for handheld portable HF operation, mainly for its compact construction, lightness, built-in microphone and XMT push-button on the front panel (the KX3 also has an XMT button).
The combining of all these resources opens a new world of exploration for handheld portable HF operation.
However, my multi-focal glasses have come to be a significant barrier to my handheld portable HF operations.
During a QSO I struggle to accurately see the XMT button on the front panel and press it (touch to talk – touch to listen) while simultaneously aiming for the front panel MIC hole to speak. This is a very simple task for a younger Ham but not so much for a 67 year old with confusing multi-focal glasses.
On the following photos I demonstrate how easy and cheap it is to make this add-on accessory for the Elecraft KX2 and KX3 transceivers with parts that any Ham will have at home while keeping your transceiver safe with no internal circuit interventions.
Following this article is a sequence of photos of a homemade 40m base loaded portable antenna made with a Buddipole 71-inch whip with the loading coil mounted inside a common marker.
All you need to add to the project is a 1.5 X 1 inch PC board and a pushbutton.
External Mic and PTT for the Elecraft KX2 & KX3 ready to be installed.
Remove the metal feet and keep it on a safe place.
PTT wire routing
VIDEO
![Individual causing malicious interference triggers parliament petition [CANADA]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Electromagnetic-interference-audio-90x60.png)
Review
Review of v1.3 of SDRuno software with scanning
“SDRuno, the “house brand” software for the SDRplay family of “radio spectrum processors” has been updated with scanning... Read more
![So Now What? The New Ham Radio Starter Pack [ Podcast ]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/0a03e0a6148da6b32909855dd8df674b-265x168.jpg)
So Now What? The New Ham Radio Starter Pack [ Podcast ]
A look at the types of equipment that new hams need to get started on their amateur radio journey, and the importance of doing your research. Read more
![SWR Simplified [ ARRL PODCAST ]](https://qrznow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/antenna-analyzer-mfj-225-swr-265x168.jpg)
SWR Simplified [ ARRL PODCAST ]
A discussion of SWR — Standing Wave Ratio — can be complicated, but it really doesn’t need to be. Read more
Yaesu FT-818 Review
“Hello Operators In todays video we review the Yaesu FT-818, in comparison to the Yaesu FT-817 which came before it. The video goes through the... Read more
Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio Review. Is it better the second time around?
“Welcome to my review of the Yaesu FT2/DR. A dual band analog fusion APRS transceiver. The first time I used this radio it was a train wreck. Le... Read more
