by William Eric McFadden

Elecraft KH1, closed Elecraft KH2, closed
(click images to enlarge)

From the manual (revision B4, February 22, 2024):

The Elecraft KH1 is a pocket-sized, 40/30/20/17/15 meter, low-power CW transceiver optimized for handheld as well as table-top operation. The transceiver itself weighs only 6 oz. (0.17 kg); with internal battery and all options installed, total weight is 13 oz. (0.36 kg). This allows it to be operated HT-style indefinitely without causing arm or wrist fatigue. It’s also an ideal backup rig, requiring little packing space.

The KH1's unique form-factor provides multiple advantages for field operation:

USER INTERFACE Both the knobs and optional keyer paddle (KHPD1) are at the lower end of the transceiver. This is ideal when you’re sitting or standing, holding the radio with one hand while operating it with the other. The four pushbutton switches are close by, aligned with LCD text fields.

FIELD LOGGING The KHLOG1 fold-out log tray solves one of the most vexing problems with SOTA, HF Pack, and general field operation: how to conveniently log contacts, in any situation. The tray can be installed on either side of the radio, facilitating left- or right-handed use, and protects the front panel when closed. Filled log sheets can be moved to the bottom of the stack with one hand.

BUILT-IN WHIP The KHATU1 antenna tuner comes with a modified top panel that embodies a whip mounting screw, loading coil, and band-selection switch for use on 20/17/15 meters (and on 30 meters with reduced efficiency). The supplied telescoping whip clips to the side of the rig when not in use. The ATU matches a wide range of loads, and works with the BNC jack as well as the whip.

The KH1 covers the full frequency range of each ham band, with power output of 5 watts. Many hours of field operation are ensured by an internal 2.6 AH, 11 V Li-ion battery (KXBT2). An internal charger (KHIBC1) keeps the battery topped off, ready to go when you are.

The KH1 has many other features, including:

  • small speaker
  • optional right-angle adapter for the whip (model #KHRA1)
  • real-time clock (RTC), including both time and date
  • SWL band: 6.7 - 22.0 MHz (uses SSB mode to copy AM); ATU can be manually tuned to peak signals
  • CW text decode/display, plus 50 K of EEPROM for logging TX text and CW-entered field notes
  • VFO locking; RIT and XIT
  • SSB/CW cross-mode operation
  • Easy-to-use scan/mini-pan function for signal hunting
  • firmware upgrades via supplied USB cable and KH1 Utility application
  • full remote control for specialized applications
  • custom, zippered carrying case (ES20) with utility pockets

We hope the KH1 becomes your go-to rig for ultralight adventure travel – whether to exotic locales, to the urban/wilderness boundary, or just to your own back yard.

Wayne, N6KR
Eric, WA6HHQ

KH1 brochure My KH1, serial number 0304, was purchased for me by my wife as a surprise Christmas present. She placed the order on October 29, 2023, and I received the radio on March 25, 2024. My KH1 now has firmware version 1.25. My KH1 came to me as part of the KH1 Edgewood Package which included the following options:

I've outfitted m y KH1 with several products from Tufteln (link), which are not seen in the photos above:

My KH1 is the heart of my KH1 Micro Travel Kit which is optimized for bicycle- and pedestrian-portable field operations.


Elecraft KH1 Advertisements & Brochures:


Elecraft KH1 Links:

Elecraft


Attributions: KH1 advertisement converted to JPG from high-resolution PDF downloaded from Elecraft.