Elecraft KX1 Manual - Manual (Page 63)

62
E
LECRAFT
Operation
This section covers all KX1 connectors, controls, and operating
features. For a one-page Quick Reference, see Appendix G.
Connections
Internal Battery
Connect the internal battery to P1 on the PC board. Make sure the
battery wires aren’t pinched when you install the bottom cover.
Battery Selection: For best performance, use 1.5-volt cells (9 volts—
see table). Energizer lithium type L91 or fresh Alkaline cells are
recommended. Lithium cells are more expensive, but have high energy
density, a flat discharge curve, and weigh less than Alkalines. 1.2-volt
cells (e.g. NiMH) can also be used, but will provide lower output and
reduced operating time, and near end of charge will not meet the
KX1’s minimum supply voltage spec (7 V). You must remove
rechargeable batteries (e.g., NiMH) for charging.
Battery
Type
Voltage
(6 cells) Amp-
hours Output
(watts)
Weight
(6 cells)
Lithium 9 V 2.8-2.9 1.5-2.0 3 oz.
Alkaline 9 V 2.2-2.7 1.5-2.0 5 oz.
NiMH 7.2 V 1.6-2.3 0.75-1.0 5 oz.
Low-Battery Warning: If the supply voltage drops below the value
set in the BAT menu entry, you’ll see BAT LO on the LED every
five minutes. Set BAT to 7.5 V for Alkaline or Lithium cells, 6.5 V
for NiMH, and 10.5 V for an external 12 V battery.
External Power Supply
You can connect any 7-14 V DC power supply or battery to J1,
although you should use the minimum recommended voltage (8 V)
when possible. The KX1 will run from whichever is higher in voltage,
the internal battery or the external supply. Transmit current drain will
be 300-700 mA, depending on the supply voltage.
Headphones or External Speaker
The AF output jack, J4, can accommodate either headphones or a
small speaker (8-32 Ω). A stereo plug is required. Earbud-style
headphones are recommended (Sony MDR series or equivalent, with
sensitivity of 108 dB/mW). They are lightweight, sensitive, and mask
wind noise well.
Antenna
Any resonant antenna can be connected to J7. With the KXAT1 ATU,
you can connect random-length wires, often without any feedline (see
KXAT1 manual). With a KXAT1 installed, power and SWR will be
displayed in TUNE mode, and power output is shown on the bargraph
during keying. If no KXAT1 is installed, the display will show one bar
on transmit, and tun in TUNE mode.
Keying Device
You can connect a hand key or external keyer to J3, or connect a
paddle (such as the optional KXPD1) and use the KX1's built-in
memory keyer. A stereo plug is required. You can also use the KX1's
front-panel buttons to send CW (see page 68).