If you’ve been a reader of QRPer.com or a subscriber to my YouTube channel, you’ve no doubt figured out that I’m a huge fan of the Elecraft KX1 transceiver.

The KX1 was my first handheld CW field transceiver and, frankly, it still holds its own today as an effective and fun field radio. With up to four bands, an optional internal ATU, internal battery pack, attachable paddles, and even a built-in logging lamp, it was well over a decade ahead of anything else in its class for size, weight, and portable versatility. In fact, the only commercially available product that truly bests the KX1 in every category is the Elecraft KH1—produced two decades later in 2023.

Even with the release of the KH1 and other ultra-compact radios on the market, the KX1 remains a rare find on the used market and has long since been discontinued.

Over the past few years, I’ve received numerous inquiries from readers asking which spare parts they should order to keep their KX1s on the air.

Back in 2021 or 2022, I placed an order with Elecraft for a few needed parts to repair my KX1. While I was at it, I decided to order additional spare parts I might need in the future.

Before placing the order, I consulted with Elecraft’s KX1 repair specialist to get suggestions—focusing especially on components that may not be easy to source outside of Elecraft. Fortunately, Elecraft still maintains a healthy stock of KX1 parts—no doubt because every KX1 started life as a kit!

Suggested Spares List

I recently went back into my order history and pulled together a full list of the parts I purchased for my KX1 spares bag. Some of these components (like the 3.5mm jacks) are relatively common, but I’ve included them here for completeness:

• E980088_Knob, Small Encoder Shaft
• E520014_10 K,PNL MT,LINEAR
• E520013_1 K,PNL MT,LINEAR
• E580007_2SC2166 C5739 TRANSISTOR
• E570013_Display LED,3 Digit 7 Segment
• E620027_KEY JACK,STEREO,3.5mm
• E620028_Headphone Jack (K1, K2)
• E620026_POWER JACK,2.1×5.5mm,RA
• E640018_Encoder, 80 Counts,w/PB Switch
• Front face buttons (from Mouser, Elecraft no longer has these)

I would have added a spare firmware chip to the list, but those are no longer available. If you’re digging into your KX1, handle that firmware chip with care and take precautions to protect it from electrostatic discharge.

The good news? All of these parts—and every other component in the KX1—are easily cross-referenced in the KX1 manual. You might even spot a few other components worth adding to your order while you’re browsing.

Click here to view the KX1 manual as a PDF.

I hope this helps! I’ve been asked about this often enough that I figured it was worth sharing in a post.

Cheers & 72,
Thomas (K4SWL)