(Also shown: Iniu 20AH power bank, KWS-1902C USB-C power meter)
13 May: Updated info, including notes from its designer, Manuel HB9DQM.
I received my KXUSBC2 in the mail today and wasted no time installing it into my KX2.
No soldering or de-soldering was required. Other KX2's may or may not require a small amount of soldering, depending on when the it was manufactured.
Those contemplating the addition of the USB-C charger to their KX2 should read the instructions here.
If you're replacing Elecraft's built-in charger, the KXUSBC2 retains Real-Time Clock functionality.
Advantages over the Elecraft KXIBC2 charger for the KX2:
- Ability to charge KX2 from what you already have - a generic USB-C cable, via automobile jack, power bank or wall plug
- Contains several configurable options
- Allows KX2's battery to act as an "emergency power bank" for a dead cell phone, etc
- Almost half the price of Elecraft's charger!
The installation was simple and took no longer than 15 minutes.
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| Left side panel, pins, shrink wrap, thermal pad, charger PCB |
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| Original, with Elecraft's charger/RTC |
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| KXUSBC2 installed |
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| Thermal pad |
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| Finished - 15 minutes later |
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John, thanks for posting the great and typically thourough review, I've been waiting to pull the trigger but you've pushed me in the right direction before summer :) 72 Scott
ReplyDeleteHi Scott - it certainly adds more versatility to the radio and doesn't take anything from it. The original coaxial DC jack still works as before. Now I have a KXIBC2 to get rid of...
Delete73,
John
Now THAT is a useful mod! I sold my KX2 in 2019 but if I still had it this would be a no brainer.
ReplyDeleteYep, it brings an old-ish rig up to 2026 standards. 73,
DeleteJohn
Thanks for the review John, pleased it arrived safely and you’re all set for your trip - enjoy!
ReplyDelete73, Neil.
Thank you, Neil.
Delete73,
John