Description
These products will make your KX2 ready for travel and use. The KX2 products again have two elements. The first layer of protection are the Raised Handles on the new end plates. Then when you add the Poly-carbonate Cover you get complete protections that is backpack ready!
The Raised handles offer much needed front panel protection to all of the knobs, buttons and delicate LCD display
• Made from Aircraft Grade 7075 T6 Aluminum to resist bending
• All parts are laser cut to match all factory cutouts and media tumbled for a smooth edge
• All coatings applied by an ISO certified coating company
• Mil Spec Powder Coating in the factory Elecraft color
• Two part UV Stabilized Epoxy Silk Screen lettering so it won’t fade or yellow
• Text matches factory look
• The new panels will provide a much needed basic carry handle
Adds only .4 ounces to the weight of the radio
The injection molded cover is Poly-carbonate and the same material used in fighter cockpit windshields and bank teller window bullet proofing for the second layer of protection.
• Completely covers all of the KX2’s delicate LCD display, control knobs and buttons while in transport, keeping away dust and foreign debris
• Provides limited protection from impact to the front panel when installed, (although we have severely abused some covers with no damage to the radio)
• Eliminates accidental powering on of radio, protecting the batteries
• Smoke grey allows visual confirmation of radio power status
• Snaps easily and securely into Side KX end panels requiring no tools, additional straps, connectors, or removable parts to get lost! This cover is FLEXIBLE and does not shatter or crack like acrylic plastics.
Weighs only 1 ounce
****UPDATE***** Elecraft has had to make a change some components on the right end of the KX2 where you will be mounting the right end panel. I am working with Elecraft for updated installation instructions on these newly shipped KX2 Radios. IF you have a radio that was shipped after mid October,2024 please contact me for information regarding this change. IF you have a radio older than mid October,2024 there is no change to the installation of my end panels.
For both instruction sheets and detailed videos on how to install these, see the INSTALLATION tab.
All materials from US manufacturers and all production done in the USA
Please come back to this page and post a review of this part! You can post reviews for any of my products on their respective page!
KX line Mounts[/caption]
Warren –
The Side KX, Cover and Ends are a great addition to the KX2. They provide a much greater level of protect for the rig. The Ends are easy to swap and the Cover fits well albeit a little tight to pop off. No one plans to damage their gear in the pack on the way to a summit, but the Cover and Ends give you that additional level of confidence that all will be good when you reach the summit and pull the KX2 from the pack.
Scott has clearly spent a good deal of time on research and development. International shipping through United States Postal Service is quick and provides the ability to track.
Bob -W7BV –
The SideKX end plates are of high quality and fit perfectly on my KX2. The cover also is of excellent quality and together with the end plates provide superior protection for the radio when travelling or backpacking. In contrast to the covers for my KX3 and PX3, the KX2 cover requires considerable pressure to install and remove for my ageing fingers. This may not be problem for those with younger, stronger fingers! Scott informed me that the stiffness is due the ends of the cover being less flexible because of being shorter. As a quick fix, I cut 0.5” relief slits in the corners of the cover to relief some of the stress and permit easier inward flexing of the ends of the cover as suggested by Myron, WV0H’s Blog on September 21, 2016. This has has worked very well without any noticeable reduction in the firm attachment and protection provided by the cover.
Norbert KP4WK (verified owner) –
I was about to place an order as soon as the KX2 covers came out but saw some reviews on the forums claiming that the cover would not come off after install, I decided to hold on my purchase. Then a few days later, I took my KX2 to the park and once again saw the need for the cover and the raised handles to protect it.
I contacted Scott at Gemsproducts and he directed me to the installation instructions on their website.
Well, I placed the order on a Thursday morning and got it on Saturday via priority mail.
Wow, I’m very satisfied with this product. It was a 15-20 min pretty straight forward installation. The cover and raised handles fit nicely on my KX2 and not only does it look cool but it protects all the knobs and the LCD.
The cover snaps easily into the end panels and please be aware that it will NOT come off if you pull it straight up. You have to press a little on the side handle opening and then up. It snaps off relatively easily once you’ve done it a few times. I actually like it and I’m not worried that it will come off during transport. I highly recommend this product for the KX2. 5 Stars
Pedro, CT1DBS/CU3HF (verified owner) –
The kx-2 handles and the cover arrive today. I installed them in a short (lunch) time following yours instructions, which were spot on.
Smiliar of those for the KX-3, that I have it installed in the KX-3, they are high quality and performing as advised. They are a very nice protection for my KX-2 that I use (to work hard) in my SOTA activations.
Nice communication on the buying process and sending abroad without any problem.
Congrats on this outstanding products!
Ben N0WER (verified owner) –
Generally, I’m all thumbs.
I knew I had to get the SideKX handles and cover — the protection is just so worth it — but I was dreading installing them, especially when I saw that my KX2 was one of the ones with the foam heatsink installed.
Never fear. The process was incredibly simple, and after about 15 minutes I had everything installed. It looks like a factory item! I could not be more pleased.
Alfredo HB9IQP/CU2BR ARRL-Lifemember (verified owner) –
GREAT products! Fast delivery, serious seller. Many thanx Scott, see you maybe on HF.. Cuagn and best 73
Ron, KI4TN (verified owner) –
OK, so you bought a $750.00 radio. Why would you not want to invest a little extra to protect it? The end panels and cover fit perfectly, look great, and do an excellent job of protecting the radio. I took my time on the installation as my radio had the mentioned modification at the PA transistors so I had to carefully remove the foam and copper strip but was able to do it without damaging anything. All this is fully explained in the directions, which are excellent, so be sure to read and follow them. Doing so will ensure success. If you have any doubts as to whether or not this will be a worthwhile investment, doubt no more as you will not regret it.
Dennis Reagin W7KB (verified owner) –
I received the protective cover and end panels in about two days from purchase date.Though they take a bit of thought and planning to install them in procedural steps,I managed to install them without much trouble.You’ll need a few small hand tools to complete this task.The products appear to be of solid construction,and are painted and stenciled very meticulously.I now will not hesitate to take them afield,confident that the Side KX products will offer full protection while transporting and using my Elecraft KX2.
Scott –
Thanks for the comments! 73 Scott AK6Q
Jason K8TSG –
This is a great quality product and adds a bit of protection. As a bonus, I like to stash my earbuds and splitter under the cover when I have everything packed up so they don’t float around in my bag while hiking. It makes the KX2 a bit bulkier, but I feel better knowing the knobs and screen are safe from anything breaking them.
Charles L Theisen (verified owner) –
Ordered two days ago. in the mail box today at 4. Installed by 6. Looks good. works good. Thanks!
ve7zwa (verified owner) –
Purchased prior to receiving my KX2 (on back order). In researching the KX2 on YouTube I’ve seen a few of these gems being used by SOTA operators. Always interested in extra protection for the rig.
I see there are a few Chinese knockoffs available on Amazon for less money… and I am sure you get what you pay for. I notice they say nothing about the quality of the materials used, nor the workmanship. Choosing the original Side KX is a given.
Thank you for this product Scott. Can’t wait for my KX2 to arrive to use it. 73’s Dale VE7ZWA
2travlrs (verified owner) –
I ordered my cover and end panels on Friday night. They were shipped on Monday and I received them today (Wednesday). Very easy to install. About 20 minutes after opening the package, I was closing up my KX2 and ready to operate. This is a quality product. Don’t be tempted to buy a Chinese knock-off at a cheaper price. You bought a quality radio, spend the extra money for a quality Made In The USA accessory. Thanks, Scott for a quality product and great service.