[KX3] Foxhunting with the KX3 2m module

[vk2rq]

I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting:
http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html

This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module.

73,
Matt VK2RQ
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[Dennis Griffin-2]

Yes, Matt, I cringed when I saw those pics of the attenuator and loop antenna mounted directly to the KX3's 2M module SMA jack. I would do that using a solid BNC on something like my IC-T7A (very sensitive receiver), IC-W32A, IC-V82 or TH-D7A, but that setup using an SMA connection, IMNSHO, should have a jumper cable between the SMA jack and the attenuator/antenna assembly.

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

On Sep 2, 2014, at 5:12 AM, Matt VK2RQ <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting:
> http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html
>
> This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module.
>
> 73,
> Matt VK2RQ
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[Don Nelson]

The suggested attachment to the KX3 is risky because of the stress the
mass presents on the SMA connector.

The same risk exists for BNC antenna attached to SMA connectors on HTs.
I mitigated that risk, a bit, on my HT by using an adaptor that has a
male SMA connector that has a flat surface that snugs up to the HT body
when the connector is attached to the HT. This same adaptor could be
used on the KX3.

Here is an example of such a connector on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pce-Conversion-Adapter-BNC-female-F-to-SMA-male-M-RF-connector-for-radio-gold-/271590922716?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item3f3c1499dc

Shop around - I have no idea if this ebay seller is the right choice.

Don, N0YE



On 9/2/2014 6:12 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote:

> I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting:
> http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html
>
> This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module.
>
> 73,
> Matt VK2RQ
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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[Dennis Griffin-2]

Here is the OM that has been offering these adapters for years, with good comments from those using them. Stephen would have to advise as to which adapter would be physically appropriate and would provide the proper amount of pin insertion into the KX3 2M SMA jack. Using such an adaptor, sparing the SMA jack from the potential high number of make/break cycles, and a 4 - 6' jumper coax, allowing for easy manipulation while aiming the antenna, would be the ideal setup. The additional insertion losses and jumper cable attenuation shouldn't be a consideration when fox hunting, and might be of benefit if one were to accidentally transmit while using this setup.

http://wa8lmf.net/miscinfo/Gulyas_SMA-to-BNC_Adapters.htm

73 de Dennis KD7CAC
Scottsdale, AZ

On Sep 2, 2014, at 5:39 AM, Don Nelson <[hidden email]> wrote:

> The suggested attachment to the KX3 is risky because of the stress the mass presents on the SMA connector.
>
> The same risk exists for BNC antenna attached to SMA connectors on HTs. I mitigated that risk, a bit, on my HT by using an adaptor that has a male SMA connector that has a flat surface that snugs up to the HT body when the connector is attached to the HT. This same adaptor could be used on the KX3.
>
> Here is an example of such a connector on ebay:
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pce-Conversion-Adapter-BNC-female-F-to-SMA-male-M-RF-connector-for-radio-gold-/271590922716?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item3f3c1499dc
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