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KX3 Utility and iPad

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Keith Heimbold

KX3 Utility and iPad

We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours) plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.

We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will wait until next week.

In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload later when at my home QTH.

I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the iPad.

Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
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JP O'Connor

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

Hi Keith,

Your installation sounds like a great project. It will be fun to see
pictures and descriptions of the finished product! I plan to do KX3 mobile
when the 100W amp is available.

What antenna and tuning device/procedure are you planning to use? (Right
now I have a Yaesu FT-857D with the ATAS-120A antenna, so tuning the
antenna is a simple one button operation. Of course, the radio has nowhere
near the dynamic range and capability of the KX3! Thus the planned change.)

The iSDR app does not do any radio control, of course, just listens to the
IQ and provides a panadapter/waterfall and second receiver. I use the
Griffin iMic with my iPad2. I find that I prefer to set the iSDR center
frequency to 0.000 so that I don't have to update it each time as I tune
the KX3 around. Tuning on the iSDR then, shows the delta. (Maybe I'm
missing something here... any tips are appreciated!)

For radio control and logging, I use HamLog by Nick N3WG. The KX3 is
connected to his PigTail Wifi hotspot via an Elecraft serial cable. The
iPad is then connected to the PigTail via WiFi. HamLog reads frequency,
mode, and S-meter from the radio, along with providing direct two way
control/communication of most of the radio's functions. One of the control
display modes uses a small control panel window, while the other mode
presents a pictorial representation of the radio itself so all the controls
are in familiar locations. Nick has a number of interesting apps and
projects. Check them out here: http://pignology.net/

The only downside on iOS is that we can only see one app on the screen at
one time since iOS doesn't do split screen. Instead, we have to hop back
and forth between the apps. At a recent event for the Atlanta Radio Club, I
borrowed another iPad and we had iSDR on one and HamLog on the other at the
same time. Certainly not backpack portable, and not really useful for
mobile, but for "picnic table portable" or base station installation it
was fun to look at and use!

Good luck with your project!

Thanks,
JP

73 de WF4Z

On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 10:44 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and
> it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours)
> plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.
>
> We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The
> amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in
> progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid
> to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the
> amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will wait
> until next week.
>
> In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR
> software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload
> later when at my home QTH.
>
> I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control
> software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was
> also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the iPad.
>
> Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham
> radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.
>
> Keith
> AG6AZ
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

______________________________________________________________
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

Keith Heimbold

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

Hi JP,

You have given me more to think about.

I am using a turbo tuner for the Hi Q 4/80RT and a couple different amps one for HF and the other for 6m hamstick and a three element 6m that I drive around with when things are happening on 6.

It should be exciting when done.

Thanks,

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excus typos

On Sep 2, 2012, at 7:30 AM, "JP O'Connor" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Keith,
>
> Your installation sounds like a great project. It will be fun to see pictures and descriptions of the finished product! I plan to do KX3 mobile when the 100W amp is available.
>
> What antenna and tuning device/procedure are you planning to use? (Right now I have a Yaesu FT-857D with the ATAS-120A antenna, so tuning the antenna is a simple one button operation. Of course, the radio has nowhere near the dynamic range and capability of the KX3! Thus the planned change.)
>
> The iSDR app does not do any radio control, of course, just listens to the IQ and provides a panadapter/waterfall and second receiver. I use the Griffin iMic with my iPad2. I find that I prefer to set the iSDR center frequency to 0.000 so that I don't have to update it each time as I tune the KX3 around. Tuning on the iSDR then, shows the delta. (Maybe I'm missing something here... any tips are appreciated!)
>
> For radio control and logging, I use HamLog by Nick N3WG. The KX3 is connected to his PigTail Wifi hotspot via an Elecraft serial cable. The iPad is then connected to the PigTail via WiFi. HamLog reads frequency, mode, and S-meter from the radio, along with providing direct two way control/communication of most of the radio's functions. One of the control display modes uses a small control panel window, while the other mode presents a pictorial representation of the radio itself so all the controls are in familiar locations. Nick has a number of interesting apps and projects. Check them out here: http://pignology.net/
>
> The only downside on iOS is that we can only see one app on the screen at one time since iOS doesn't do split screen. Instead, we have to hop back and forth between the apps. At a recent event for the Atlanta Radio Club, I borrowed another iPad and we had iSDR on one and HamLog on the other at the same time. Certainly not backpack portable, and not really useful for mobile, but for "picnic table portable" or base station installation it was fun to look at and use!
>
> Good luck with your project!
>
> Thanks,
> JP
>
> 73 de WF4Z
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 10:44 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
> We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours) plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.
>
> We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will wait until next week.
>
> In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload later when at my home QTH.
>
> I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the iPad.
>
> Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.
>
> Keith
> AG6AZ
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Mike Heitmann

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

Hi Keith ,

I also use the HamLog/Pigtail combo for portable operations and recommend it, it works very well. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your installation!

Mike, N0SO
Sent from my iPad

On Sep 1, 2012, at 9:44 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours) plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.
>
> We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will wait until next week.
>
> In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload later when at my home QTH.
>
> I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the iPad.
>
> Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.
______________________________________________________________
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

Keith Heimbold

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

Mike,

That is the next item on my list of purchases. It seems to be the most
logical next thing to get for this set up. I heard from the installer and
he needs one more day to finish it up minus the Hi Q which I am waiting on
to arrive from Woody in Temecula.

It should be a pretty epic mobile system.

Keith
AG6AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Heitmann
Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2012 9:46 AM
To: Keith Heimbold
Cc: Elecraft Group
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility and iPad

Hi Keith ,

I also use the HamLog/Pigtail combo for portable operations and recommend
it, it works very well. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your
installation!

Mike, N0SO
Sent from my iPad

On Sep 1, 2012, at 9:44 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and
> it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours)
> plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.
>
> We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The
> amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in
> progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid
> to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the
> amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will
> wait until next week.
>
> In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR
> software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload
> later when at my home QTH.
>
> I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control
> software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was
> also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the
> iPad.
>
> Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham
> radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.

Bill Frantz

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

In reply to this post by JP O'Connor

FWIW, The Icom 706 MK2G that got displaced from my shack with
the arrival of the K3 landed in our Toyota 4Runner. It is
driving a Little Tarheel screwdriver antenna on HF and 6M. The
antenna is tuned with the up/down switch included with it. I
tune by getting the band noise peek and then tuning for minimum
SWR as shown on the Icom's display.

I have had fun with this setup, including climbing to the top of
the pileup with a European station on 15M while riding across
the Mojave desert while my wife was driving. He was working
stations all over north and south America.

Cheers - Bill, AE6JV

On 9/2/12 at 7:30, [hidden email] (JP O'Connor) wrote:

>What antenna and tuning device/procedure are you planning to use? (Right
>now I have a Yaesu FT-857D with the ATAS-120A antenna, so tuning the
>antenna is a simple one button operation. Of course, the radio has nowhere
>near the dynamic range and capability of the KX3! Thus the planned change.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506 | it. | 16345
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy | Los Gatos,
CA 95032

______________________________________________________________
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

Keith Heimbold

Re: KX3 Utility and iPad

In reply to this post by Mike Heitmann

I have a couple pictures of the install on my qrz. The Installer still needs one more day to finish all the wiring and prepare for the arrival of the Hi Q 4/80 RT.

This will make my weekdays away from home in Los Angeles a tad bit easier though Of course I always miss the XYL and my newborn son, Max!

Cheers,

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Sep 2, 2012, at 9:46 AM, "Mike Heitmann" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Keith ,
>
> I also use the HamLog/Pigtail combo for portable operations and recommend it, it works very well. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your installation!
>
> Mike, N0SO
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Sep 1, 2012, at 9:44 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> We are about halfway through my install of the KX3 in my 97 Silverado and it is going well so far. We probably have another two days (16-20 hours) plus worth of work to go before we are done with the install.
>>
>> We installed the Rammount for the iPad and the KX3 and it looks epic. The amps are mounted and the electrical and antenna installation is in progress. Still need to pull wire from engine and new breaker and solenoid to bed and husky toolbox to the deep cycle Optima battery and the amplifiers. The Hi Q 4"/80 RT is still in transit so that install will wait until next week.
>>
>> In terms of control theough the ipad I am planning to use the iSDR software with a simple logging program (MacLogger possibly) and upload later when at my home QTH.
>>
>> I was doing research on IPad ham apps and am looking for other control software options. Even minimalistic control software besides iSDR. I was also curious if the KX3 utility software and terminal will work on the iPad.
>>
>> Also any perspective on new software developments for the iPad and ham radio software especially the KX3 would be super appreciated.