Side KX KX2 Configuration guide

KX2 Side KX install instructions
Note: you can remove the factory end panel and
install the Side KX end plates without removing any of the boards,
there is no need to unsolder any connections.
Tools: #1 Phillips Screwdriver, Needle Nose Pliers, Pen Knife or small
Awl.
On the new Side KX end plates, remove the green mask tape from the back side of the
plates.
Open the KX2 radio case and remove the battery by disconnecting it at the power cord
from the radio. If you have a newer KX2 you can disconnect the speaker wires at the
white connector and work on the radio without the back held on by the speaker wires. If
not, be careful not to damage the speaker wire while working through the install
process.
Start on the left end of the KX2 (with with Power Port). Remove the top (2) Phillips
head screws using a Phillips #1 Screwdriver save and reuse these same screws. You
can then remove the factory end plate from the radio. This allows easy access to the
bottom (2) screws that are secured in a plastic tube as a nut. Using needle nose pliers
you can lightly grip the plastic tube and back out the Phillips screws. Insert these same
screws and plastic tubes back onto the new left Side KX end plate. Place the new Side
KX endplate on the radio and start the top (2) screws back into the corresponding holes.
After they are both started, snug them down but do not over tighten them.
Next will be the removal of the right (coax BNC) factory end plate. This is
accomplished by first removing the bottom (2) Phillips screws by holding the nuts with
needle nose pliers as you unscrew the Phillips screws, you will save and reuse the
same screws, washers and nuts.
Remove the BNC wires at the white connector to the ATU Board by gently pulling apart
the connector. Then remove the top (3) Phillips screws from this right end plate. You
can now remove the factory end panel. You will notice there is one more Phillips screw
in the factory end panel. Remove this screw and re-install it to the new Side KX left end
panel.
While this factory panel is free, you will need to release the RED wire coming from the
BNC center pin to the white housing by using a sharp pointed object like a small pen
knife or small awl you can gently depress the silver connector from the RED wire going
into this white housing. With slight pressure, you can pull the red wire free from the
connector. Note the orientation of the removed pin as you will have to re-insert it in a
moment. Next you will remove the nut and washer from the back of the BNC Connector

and it will pull free from the factory end panel. Transfer this same BNC connector to the
new Side KX end panel, and place the washer and nut back on. Snug this assembly
down. Then you will re-insert the red wire with the silver connector back into the white
housing, it will slightly snap in place, check this connection by gently pulling on the red
wire.
Now gently place the Side KX end panel back on to the radio while being mindful the
BNC wire harness and of the lone screw you just moved to the Side KX Plate. This
screw goes between two of the PC Boards as a spacer. Now you can start the top (3)
screws but do not snug them down, allow the plate to float a bit. This will allow you to
align the bottom two screws and mate the washer and nuts back in place if need be you
can place the radio on its end to let gravity help you here. Now snug up all (5) of the
mounting screws.
You can now place the radio face down with no damage to any of the front display,
knobs or buttons! Next reconnect the white connecter back on to the ATU board. If
you disconnected your back panel and speaker, re-install the speaker wire connector.
Re-install the battery and assemble the radio case. You now have protected one of
Elecraft's best little radios on the market!