Mobile Radio Dreams
Locked
 
|
A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it
got me to thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile radio? Here are some of my ideas: It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This UI might draw inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, which could tune pre-sets without looking at the radio. It would: Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions. Be available with 50-100W maximum output Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary. Have a "hands free" operation option One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces available in some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a form that is well integrated into the auto console. Or at least use it as a panadapter display. 73 Bill AE6JV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | I like the farmers' market | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | vegetables without stickers. | 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
|
|
I would think that would be the ultimate driver distraction. The P3 is
about all I look at when operating. [:-) My Silverado is 13 years old and I've got a new Honda Ridgeline [which will fit into the garage] on order. While test driving the Honda, I found the big navigation/phone/radio/vehicle status/calculator screen to be a distraction ... even without a panadapter on it. And, yes it also has a calculator. 73, Fred K6DGW - Sparks NV DM09dn - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the Cal QSO Party 7-8 Oct 2017 - www.cqp.org On 12/13/2016 11:49 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: > It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. > Or at least use it as a panadapter display. > > 73 Bill AE6JV ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Bill Frantz
Bill - I'm glad you brought this up.
I've been using the Yaesu FT-857D mobile for a number of years. The number one thing I appreciate about it is the remote head aspect. It is suitably sized to sit atop the column of the steering wheel. The controls are all accessible through the top open half of the steering wheel. Eye deviation from the roadway is minimal. It does not in my case block information on the dashboard. One consideration that might be a further improvement is a heads up display. A heads up display is one that reflects off the inside of the windshield from a top of dashboard mounted display. Controls might still be incorporated into a unit that could mount atop the steering wheel column or other convenient location. HF Mobile operation is important to me. I notice that Yaesu's new FT-891 follows the configuration of the 857D (though without 2m and 440MHz) with a larger display area and an improved menu system. While I enjoy HF mobile, my perception is that it is on the decline in popularity. I don't see HF mobile setups unless I'm in the realm of a Hamfest. Best, Dick - KA5KKT ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it got me to thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile radio? Here are some of my ideas: It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This UI might draw inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, which could tune pre-sets without looking at the radio. It would: Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions. Be available with 50-100W maximum output Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary. Have a "hands free" operation option One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces available in some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a form that is well integrated into the auto console. Or at least use it as a panadapter display. 73 Bill AE6JV ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
Administrator
|
Not that a new mobile-only rig wouldn't be a fun design exercise, but… you may want to consider the KX2. I've used mine mobile often, and this was one of our goals for the rig. A KX3 can also be used mobile, though it's larger and more complex.
Here's why the KX2 works so well for minimum-fuss mobile: 1. It is about the size of the control heads on many mobile HF radios. 2. A mobile-mount bracket is available for the KX2. The radio weighs well under 1 lb, so you can use a variety of third-party stalks, adapters, etc. to get it onto your dashboard or console. RAM Mounts work great. 3. The radio itself is fully self-contained (10 W, ATU, battery), but you can also pair it with the KXPA100 AMP. The amp will fit in a trunk or under a seat. The amp has its own 100-W ATU option. 4. If you're among The Chosen who do CW mobile, no problem -- you can attach a KXPD2 :) The mobile-mount bracket also allows this. 5. The KX2 has a minimum of controls, and it's easy to use, even mobile. Switches all have tone feedback, including a Morse option. When the Morse option is selected, tapping DISP reports the VFO frequency so you don't have to look at the display. (There's a document available for blind hams detailing how to use the radio.) 6. The KXIO2 option has two general-purpose open-drain relay drive outputs that could be used to select taps on a home-brew multi-band mobile whip. I haven't gotten around to doing this myself, but the firmware already supports it. On a per-band basis, you can set up these two outputs, allowing automatic selection of up to 4 different bands right at the antenna. The ATU does the rest. 7. The KX2 has a singular advantage that no other rig possesses (except for the KX3): When you get to your destination, you can unclip it, take it with you, and still have a hand-held or field-portable 10-watt station with all the trimmings. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 13, 2016, at 12:34 PM, "Dick Dickinson" <[hidden email]> wrote: > Bill - I'm glad you brought this up. > > I've been using the Yaesu FT-857D mobile for a number of years. The number > one thing I appreciate about it is the remote head aspect. It is suitably > sized to sit atop the column of the steering wheel. The controls are all > accessible through the top open half of the steering wheel. Eye deviation > from the roadway is minimal. It does not in my case block information on > the dashboard. > > One consideration that might be a further improvement is a heads up display. > A heads up display is one that reflects off the inside of the windshield > from a top of dashboard mounted display. Controls might still be > incorporated into a unit that could mount atop the steering wheel column or > other convenient location. > > HF Mobile operation is important to me. I notice that Yaesu's new FT-891 > follows the configuration of the 857D (though without 2m and 440MHz) with a > larger display area and an improved menu system. While I enjoy HF mobile, > my perception is that it is on the decline in popularity. I don't see HF > mobile setups unless I'm in the realm of a Hamfest. > > Best, > Dick - KA5KKT > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it > got me to thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically > designed as a mobile radio? Here are some of my ideas: > > It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This > UI might draw inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, > which could tune pre-sets without looking at the radio. > > It would: > Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions. > > Be available with 50-100W maximum output > > Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary. > > Have a "hands free" operation option > > > One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces > available in some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a > form that is well integrated into the auto console. Or at least > use it as a panadapter display. > > 73 Bill AE6JV > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Bill Frantz
On Tue,12/13/2016 11:49 AM, Bill Frantz wrote:
> What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile radio? IMO, the KX3 with its 100W amp comes awfully close to being an ideal HF rig for mobile use. All it takes is a suitable mount that puts it at eye level. For something fancier, look at what Glen, W6GJB, did for an op riding shotgun for the 7th Area QSO Party. The 100W amp is in the floor of the back seat. Slide #8 in http://k9yc.com/7QP.pdf 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
Administrator
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
Scott from SideKX also has a very nice mobile mount that the KX2 just snaps
into. It in turn has holes for the very popular AMP mounting solutions. I'm using this with a KX2 to drive a KXPA100 in my RAV4 (the one Bill, AE6JV - the O.P. passed on the road that made him think about mobile op's :-) It fits perfectly just below my dashboard in the center console. See http://www.gemsproducts.com/product/kx2-mount/ 73, Eric WA6HHQ /elecraft.com ---- / On 12/13/2016 11:49 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: > A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it got me to > thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile > radio? Here are some of my ideas: > > It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This UI might draw > inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, which could tune pre-sets > without looking at the radio. > > It would: > Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions. > > Be available with 50-100W maximum output > > Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary. > > Have a "hands free" operation option > > > One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces available in > some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a form that is well > integrated into the auto console. Or at least use it as a panadapter display. > > 73 Bill AE6JV 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams
|
|
In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
Hi,
I use the KX3 in the mobile with a HLA300Plus amplifier and get >200 watts clean into a HI-Q 5-160 screwdriver antenna, going on 3 years, no problems. Nice, because when I get to the park, I disconnect the KX3 and it is on the park table with my small battery and end fed wire..... Great fun. BTW., if you go to UTube California Hammin' you can see my mobile set up, Cheers, Mel, K6KBE From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 2:46 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams On Tue,12/13/2016 11:49 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: > What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile radio? IMO, the KX3 with its 100W amp comes awfully close to being an ideal HF rig for mobile use. All it takes is a suitable mount that puts it at eye level. For something fancier, look at what Glen, W6GJB, did for an op riding shotgun for the 7th Area QSO Party. The 100W amp is in the floor of the back seat. Slide #8 in http://k9yc.com/7QP.pdf 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
I'm sure either KX2 or KX3 are great rigs for mobile.
I'm using the KX3 + KXPA-100 in my new truck on 80m/20m/6m/2m: http://www.kl7uw.com/Mobile.htm Using combo of Proclip dash bracket and Ram holder it mounts just below dash level facing the driver or can be rotated to shotgun seat! http://www.kl7uw.com/New_Rover_2.jpg Listen for my on the road this summer in the lower-48 (APRS). 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Bill Frantz
Bill,
I use a KX3 with the KXPA mounted on the lid of the cargo box in the pick-up bed. Antenna is mounted on the other side of the lid. The "separation" cable works perfectly. My KX3 is mounded to a pole from the passenger seat bolt just above the center consol. I find this location ok, but do not tune while driving. I agree that a P3 would force my curiosity away from the road! My system seems to work well, although I do need the noise blanker & noise reduction on a 10 mile stretch of road going to town - I assume it is a power line issue. Maybe the KX2 would be a better choice; but it wasn't out when I bought my KX3. 73 George AI4VZ -----Original Message----- From: Bill Frantz A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it got me to thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile radio? Here are some of my ideas: ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
Elecraft KPA500 - Bought new as a kit 8/01/2012 s/n 0971 - assembled by
myself. Includes KPAK3AUX KPA to K3 Aux Cable and PWR-US240 US 240V Power Cord. Latest firmware installed, cosmetically good, operates full output. No issues, also includes manuals and spare fuses. Elecraft KAT500 - Bought new 11/20/2012 s/n 0439. Includes KXUSB USB Interface Cable, E850463 KAT500 to KPA500 cable, and 12v power cable with powerpoles. No issues, also includes manual. At this time prefer to sell both together for $2300 and prefer local pick-up in NE Wisconsin near Green Bay or willing to meet somewhere within 1-2 hour drive. Pictures available. I will accept cash, Paypal, USPS Money Order or a Bank's Cashier Check. Contact me at [hidden email] or my cell-phone at 92o-246-o46o Note: Please do not reply to this on the list. ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
Wayne suggests the KX2 and KX3 as mobile rigs, and Jim pointed
to a really nice installation for use by the passenger. They are both viable solutions. However, they do have some problems. I see mobile rigs being used in 3 ways: (1) Campground rigs for use when the vehicle is stopped. Here you can add radials to the antenns and a K3(s) would be wonderful. (2) Operated by a passenger in motion, and (3) Operated by the driver in motion. The driver distraction issues only apply to this last use case. By way of background, I have installed two mobil rigs. I have a Yaesu FTM-30 in my Miata. It was chosen because it could replace the stock AM/FM broadcast band radio, freeing up space to install it. (There's not much space in a Miata.) It transmits on 2M and 70cm, which covers local communications, but doesn't do HF or 6M. Its UI is a fine example of what NOT to do in a mobile UI. The other rig was an Icom 706 in a Toyota 4Runner, which has recently gone to the great crusher in the sky. We now have a brand new Subaru Forester which needs a radio, so I am in the market. The KX2 is missing 6M and 2M which means I will need a second radio for 2M (and 70cm). I could blow off operating on 6M, but I got a lot of use out of 6M in the last VHF contest as a rover. My KX3 has 6M and can be upgraded to have 2M, but it is a bit big for the available space in the console. (The remote head for the 706 fits reasonably well, but the receiver on the 706 isn't super good. In any case, our local ARES/RACES group uses 70cm -- it's the way to hit the local repeater from the hospital EOC since 2M doesn't work -- so 70cm is almost a requirement. Good as these radios are, their UI is not ideal from a driver distraction point of view. There are several button presses to recall a frequency memory, and there is not an obvious "hands free" solution for California drivers. All in all, I could see myself ending up with a KX2 and a VHF/UHF radio to be named later. But I dream of a more integrated solution. 73 Bill AE6JV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | I like the farmers' market | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | vegetables without stickers. | 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
Bill,
Good ideas for mobiling. I am addressing some of that in this post: I like the KX3 because of the versatility of the radio and because with addition of the 2M module I have 160m-2m all mode operation. I originally bought a K3/10 since I was mainly going to run VHF and up using transverters so high power on HF was a luxury to add later. As it turned out the KXPA-100 serves both my K3 and KX3 equally well. In setting up my truck for extended travel, ham radio operation, I installed a new dual-band FM mobile radio which separates control panel from radio so it can be installed under the backseat (Ford conveniently provides as a lockable storage area). I have the 50w FM mobile, a 160w 2m linear, and the KXPA-100 installed there (I can remove the KXPA-100 for use at home with my K3). The KX3 sits in a RAM bracket so it fairly easy to remove for use in our trailer in a campground in the evening. After some thought, I added two extra coax lines coming out of the cab which can either connect to antenna or to coax extensions to the trailer so the amps and antennas in the truck can be used by the KX3 sitting on dining table in the trailer. I installed a metal plate for five coax feedthru connectors for bringing out coax lines from a hole under the cab floor. Three go to antennas on the cab roof and two are spare for running to trailer or whatever. The HF antenna mounts in corner of the bed and has its own coax run. Trailers all come with 12v wiring and outlets these days which is sufficient for the KX3. Only issue that remains is whether I want to add a separate battery for the radios as running down the truck battery at night is not cool. Of course I could run the diesel engine but not very efficient way to keep charge on the battery. Trailer will have a generator so maybe hooking up a battery charger is an option to separate battery? Headset with boom mic or just a boom mic for a ball cap as my hearing aids have bluetooth. KX3 audio will go to sync. Some stuff to figure out after using it a bit. I figure I will mostly operate from right seat while my wife drives which should reduce some of the issues. Driving with a 30-foot trailer is 100% job so distraction is to be avoided. We will run 144.39-APRS so you can track us on the web whenever we are in range of digipeaters and Igates. 73, Ed - KL7UW From: Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2 Message-ID: <[hidden email]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Wayne suggests the KX2 and KX3 as mobile rigs, and Jim pointed to a really nice installation for use by the passenger. They are both viable solutions. However, they do have some problems. I see mobile rigs being used in 3 ways: (1) Campground rigs for use when the vehicle is stopped. Here you can add radials to the antenns and a K3(s) would be wonderful. (2) Operated by a passenger in motion, and (3) Operated by the driver in motion. The driver distraction issues only apply to this last use case. By way of background, I have installed two mobil rigs. I have a Yaesu FTM-30 in my Miata. It was chosen because it could replace the stock AM/FM broadcast band radio, freeing up space to install it. (There's not much space in a Miata.) It transmits on 2M and 70cm, which covers local communications, but doesn't do HF or 6M. Its UI is a fine example of what NOT to do in a mobile UI. The other rig was an Icom 706 in a Toyota 4Runner, which has recently gone to the great crusher in the sky. We now have a brand new Subaru Forester which needs a radio, so I am in the market. The KX2 is missing 6M and 2M which means I will need a second radio for 2M (and 70cm). I could blow off operating on 6M, but I got a lot of use out of 6M in the last VHF contest as a rover. My KX3 has 6M and can be upgraded to have 2M, but it is a bit big for the available space in the console. (The remote head for the 706 fits reasonably well, but the receiver on the 706 isn't super good. In any case, our local ARES/RACES group uses 70cm -- it's the way to hit the local repeater from the hospital EOC since 2M doesn't work -- so 70cm is almost a requirement. Good as these radios are, their UI is not ideal from a driver distraction point of view. There are several button presses to recall a frequency memory, and there is not an obvious "hands free" solution for California drivers. All in all, I could see myself ending up with a KX2 and a VHF/UHF radio to be named later. But I dream of a more integrated solution. 73 Bill AE6JV 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
Ed, I would love to know more about how you mounted that plate to get the
coax feed throughs out of the cab of your Ford. I have a 2015 F-150.... The thing has so many electronic gadgets and power accessories that I'm leery of drilling holes just anywhere. I've been contemplating a similar mobile HF setup.... Have looked at several possibilities, but the KX3 and KXPA-100 are pretty intriguing. On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 6:58 PM Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote: > Bill, > > Good ideas for mobiling. I am addressing some of that in this post: > > I like the KX3 because of the versatility of the radio and because > with addition of the 2M module I have 160m-2m all mode operation. I > originally bought a K3/10 since I was mainly going to run VHF and up > using transverters so high power on HF was a luxury to add later. As > it turned out the KXPA-100 serves both my K3 and KX3 equally well. > > In setting up my truck for extended travel, ham radio operation, I > installed a new dual-band FM mobile radio which separates control > panel from radio so it can be installed under the backseat (Ford > conveniently provides as a lockable storage area). I have the 50w FM > mobile, a 160w 2m linear, and the KXPA-100 installed there (I can > remove the KXPA-100 for use at home with my K3). > > The KX3 sits in a RAM bracket so it fairly easy to remove for use in > our trailer in a campground in the evening. After some thought, I > added two extra coax lines coming out of the cab which can either > connect to antenna or to coax extensions to the trailer so the amps > and antennas in the truck can be used by the KX3 sitting on dining > table in the trailer. I installed a metal plate for five coax > feedthru connectors for bringing out coax lines from a hole under the > cab floor. Three go to antennas on the cab roof and two are spare > for running to trailer or whatever. The HF antenna mounts in corner > of the bed and has its own coax run. > > Trailers all come with 12v wiring and outlets these days which is > sufficient for the KX3. Only issue that remains is whether I want to > add a separate battery for the radios as running down the truck > battery at night is not cool. Of course I could run the diesel > engine but not very efficient way to keep charge on the > battery. Trailer will have a generator so maybe hooking up a battery > charger is an option to separate battery? > > Headset with boom mic or just a boom mic for a ball cap as my hearing > aids have bluetooth. KX3 audio will go to sync. Some stuff to > figure out after using it a bit. I figure I will mostly operate from > right seat while my wife drives which should reduce some of the > issues. Driving with a 30-foot trailer is 100% job so distraction is > to be avoided. > > We will run 144.39-APRS so you can track us on the web whenever we > are in range of digipeaters and Igates. > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > > From: Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2 > Message-ID: > > <[hidden email] > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed > > Wayne suggests the KX2 and KX3 as mobile rigs, and Jim pointed > to a really nice installation for use by the passenger. They are > both viable solutions. However, they do have some problems. > > I see mobile rigs being used in 3 ways: (1) Campground rigs for > use when the vehicle is stopped. Here you can add radials to the > antenns and a K3(s) would be wonderful. (2) Operated by a > passenger in motion, and (3) Operated by the driver in motion. > The driver distraction issues only apply to this last use case. > > By way of background, I have installed two mobil rigs. I have a > Yaesu FTM-30 in my Miata. It was chosen because it could replace > the stock AM/FM broadcast band radio, freeing up space to > install it. (There's not much space in a Miata.) It transmits on > 2M and 70cm, which covers local communications, but doesn't do > HF or 6M. Its UI is a fine example of what NOT to do in a mobile UI. > > The other rig was an Icom 706 in a Toyota 4Runner, which has > recently gone to the great crusher in the sky. We now have a > brand new Subaru Forester which needs a radio, so I am in the market. > > The KX2 is missing 6M and 2M which means I will need a second > radio for 2M (and 70cm). I could blow off operating on 6M, but I > got a lot of use out of 6M in the last VHF contest as a rover. > My KX3 has 6M and can be upgraded to have 2M, but it is a bit > big for the available space in the console. (The remote head for > the 706 fits reasonably well, but the receiver on the 706 isn't > super good. In any case, our local ARES/RACES group uses 70cm -- > it's the way to hit the local repeater from the hospital EOC > since 2M doesn't work -- so 70cm is almost a requirement. > > Good as these radios are, their UI is not ideal from a driver > distraction point of view. There are several button presses to > recall a frequency memory, and there is not an obvious "hands > free" solution for California drivers. > > All in all, I could see myself ending up with a KX2 and a > VHF/UHF radio to be named later. But I dream of a more > integrated solution. > > 73 Bill AE6JV > > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > http://www.kl7uw.com > Dubus-NA Business mail: > [hidden email] > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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] > 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
I run mobile. Have for decades. The past ~5 yrs have been with a Yaesu
FT-857D and a MINI COOPER. As much as I love my K3 *(and my other radios), if my Yaesu mobile rig died tomorrow, there is nothing at Elecraft that could replace it for even CLOSE to the price I could find another 857D for. The main attraction of the FT-857D for me is, as others have pointed out, the remote head. Mine is on a post in a cup holder. Secondarily, 100W, and also 6m and MAYBE 2m. I never use 70cm, but have on occasion used a 2m repeater (once a year perhaps) and every summer, work 6m Es from the car. If Elecraft were to come out with a KX3-250, I might buy it. (A KX3 with small piggy back amp of 250w) but it would have to be at a price point I could afford. Keep in mind, I am in Canada, so I end up paying nearly double for every product from our Southern neighbours. (not quite, but close) A recent big dollar order from a major ham supplier south of the border ended up being about 1.7x the original price (in my dollars) by the time it was in my house. I am anxious to buy another mobile rig, but need the remote head, 100w and at least 6m...and not sky high pricing ! J (hi) Mike VE9AA Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
Mike, if affordable I would do a KX3 with the outboard amp. I had no love
of the pathetic 857. I went to an IC7000 which was superior. The Elecraft products blew the doors off for me and sold the IC7000. I do not use mobile anymore due XYL preferences. I can do the Elecraft portable now (use the KX2 with fishing rod and HWEF antennas and find the operation more intuitive and of better quality on the receiving end. The other end with Elecraft work. Elecraft to Elecraft is the best to cut through many issues. From end to end for a contact, I am agnostic :-)! My new love is using digital from living room set up with KX3 at the side of the couch. Sure beats the stuff my wife likes to watch on TV and the KXPD3 is noiseless with minimal spacing and contact pressure. :-) 73, Bill K9YEQ -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike Smith VE9AA Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 3:52 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2 I run mobile. Have for decades. The past ~5 yrs have been with a Yaesu FT-857D and a MINI COOPER. As much as I love my K3 *(and my other radios), if my Yaesu mobile rig died tomorrow, there is nothing at Elecraft that could replace it for even CLOSE to the price I could find another 857D for. The main attraction of the FT-857D for me is, as others have pointed out, the remote head. Mine is on a post in a cup holder. Secondarily, 100W, and also 6m and MAYBE 2m. I never use 70cm, but have on occasion used a 2m repeater (once a year perhaps) and every summer, work 6m Es from the car. If Elecraft were to come out with a KX3-250, I might buy it. (A KX3 with small piggy back amp of 250w) but it would have to be at a price point I could afford. Keep in mind, I am in Canada, so I end up paying nearly double for every product from our Southern neighbours. (not quite, but close) A recent big dollar order from a major ham supplier south of the border ended up being about 1.7x the original price (in my dollars) by the time it was in my house. I am anxious to buy another mobile rig, but need the remote head, 100w and at least 6m...and not sky high pricing ! J (hi) Mike VE9AA Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB ______________________________________________________________ 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] ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by Mike Smith VE9AA
On Thu,12/15/2016 1:52 PM, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote:
> I am anxious to buy another mobile rig, but need the remote head, 100w and > at least 6m...and not sky high pricing You should look more closely at the KX3 -- it works quite nicely as a remote head for the power amp, which can include an antenna tuner and can sit anywhere. My old buddy K9IKZ fit a KX3 into an existing opening in the dash of his Volvo or Audi sedan. Wiring between the KX3 and 100W amp is coax, power, and CAT5. Good 2M rigs are cheap. Even buy something used. The KX3 with the 100W amp is a superb 6M rig, with a very good preamp built-in. If you're only going to use the rig in the car, buy it without the internal battery charger and QRP tuner. How much of that cost difference is currency, how much is shipping? I think Elecraft sells direct to VE; if so, there's no middleman to get his. I do know that shipping US to/from VE can be quite expensive -- my XYL buys art supplies in VE7, so expensive that she carries them home in her luggage when she's there for a workshop. Don't know why. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
Re: Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
|
|
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
having used a 706 for YEARS.... in my VW...
i tried the kx3 mounting it in the lower console down by the handbrake, BETWEEN THE SEATS where the 706 head was. The KX3 with the mic/pwr/ctl lines out the left and the BNC out the right, doesn't fit ..too wide. However the KX2 fits even with that BNC . I had considered taking off the KX3 BNC and putting an sma on the left side with the other required connections, with that teflon version of 174. Enter the KX2, I made a small tray with the 3d printer. So the kx2 can snap in/out. The rear / bottom of the mount has a large cutout for the audio to get out. And the 'mount' to the car also has a audio funnel. The KX2 seems to be much louder than the KX3... I do not even need an external speaker....and my vw sportwagen is loud inside ( road noise)) I slide the kxpa100 under my front seat, where it can be removed easily, only issue i have , system on power up keeps reverting back to amp off... This week .... was working a guy on 80, I checked and the amp was on only to discover MUCH LATER the power was set to 5 watts....I wish it would retain amp on and the power. maybe something I am doing wrong... eventually i'll get some good pictures KX2 W/ AMP GETS MY MOBILE VOTE ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
|
|
In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ
Are these the mobile mounts recommended in this thread? The Sidekick... or are there other KX2 specific mounts?
I just bought a KX2/KXPA amp combo. Yes, it is more expensive than other mobile options, but the better mobile rigs out there have been discontinued, and for new gear, this really isn't that much more expensive overall, especially when I also want to grab and go with my KX2 for travel/backpacking/portable. Joe AB5OR ________________________________ From: Elecraft [[hidden email]] on behalf of Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [[hidden email]] Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 4:51 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2 Scott from SideKX also has a very nice mobile mount that the KX2 just snaps into. It in turn has holes for the very popular AMP mounting solutions. I'm using this with a KX2 to drive a KXPA100 in my RAV4 (the one Bill, AE6JV - the O.P. passed on the road that made him think about mobile op's :-) It fits perfectly just below my dashboard in the center console. See http://www.gemsproducts.com/product/kx2-mount/<redir.aspx?REF=G-pkWTuOZ17c4wtLm98gsePDPCZX8D6_HMTueZuitKcbNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmdlbXNwcm9kdWN0cy5jb20vcHJvZHVjdC9reDItbW91bnQv> 73, Eric WA6HHQ /elecraft.com ---- / On 12/13/2016 11:49 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: > A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it got me to > thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically designed as a mobile > radio? Here are some of my ideas: > > It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This UI might draw > inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, which could tune pre-sets > without looking at the radio. > > It would: > Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions. > > Be available with 50-100W maximum output > > Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary. > > Have a "hands free" operation option > > > One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces available in > some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a form that is well > integrated into the auto console. Or at least use it as a panadapter display. > > 73 Bill AE6JV Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft<redir.aspx?REF=LvzQjrX7zzOaZoYsFov23peSmUdt_DgJNh9ijDpONmwbNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwOi8vbWFpbG1hbi5xdGgubmV0L21haWxtYW4vbGlzdGluZm8vZWxlY3JhZnQ.> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm<redir.aspx?REF=BMM66HZLGIL-2SejX603kHE8kKxSLYiFG297ztSyw7IbNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwOi8vbWFpbG1hbi5xdGgubmV0L21tZmFxLmh0bQ..> Post: mailto:[hidden email]<redir.aspx?REF=4RQlJx5fiDzNy9Pe37150dYZWhH1UJfRJ_IrKIWkU-MbNXiYmDrUCAFtYWlsdG86RWxlY3JhZnRAbWFpbG1hbi5xdGgubmV0> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net<redir.aspx?REF=BwgP649P_UU4XGD7ONQogiqZML-B3nSYRSGiYmyL070bNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnFzbC5uZXQ.> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html<redir.aspx?REF=7uyeiJTFw54p_P8CiwUosMyt4cYuSEbGnXEF46GIr94bNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnFzbC5uZXQvZG9uYXRlLmh0bWw.> Message delivered to [hidden email]<redir.aspx?REF=P5PRlW6dp3-UIWkV5lcOsKv2GK9PHzh-XnRLKsUHhqEbNXiYmDrUCAFtYWlsdG86am9lQHNlbGVjdGNvbm5lY3QubmV0> ________________________________ Total Control Panel Login<redir.aspx?REF=NbE0YlcntK4xJ5DHVf-0lN0bp1H1cU4E5d4vgrUwyPgbNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L2xvZ2luP2RvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..> To: [hidden email]<redir.aspx?REF=aWD5IlFIukr6FPsv4-H6RdSuHgnwhCspfVPhHEGdYA0bNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L2FkZHJlc3MtcHJvcGVydGllcz9hSUQ9NzUwNjA3NzYxJmRvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..> From: [hidden email] Message Score: 1 High (60): Pass My Spam Blocking Level: Medium Medium (75): Pass Low (90): Pass Block<redir.aspx?REF=7cFdAGTQiuH4ocWzg5vGzdu6ul9y9psFvVmOoNe1mCF8lnqYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L0Zvb3RlckFjdGlvbj92ZXI9MyZibC1zZW5kZXItYWRkcmVzcz0xJmhJRD0xODU0ODg5ODcwMyZkb21haW49c2VsZWN0Y29ubmVjdC5uZXQ.> this sender / Block<redir.aspx?REF=vcCsiBwCWcQkKkWZSqPdML-Ps4s9ttOqhB1WrcR3vLx8lnqYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L0Zvb3RlckFjdGlvbj92ZXI9MyZlbnQ9MSZibC1zZW5kZXItYWRkcmVzcz0xJmhJRD0xODU0ODg5ODcwMyZkb21haW49c2VsZWN0Y29ubmVjdC5uZXQ.> this sender enterprise-wide Block<redir.aspx?REF=8UOujB-s9LYTQuX7g-tGR0dn4oLulGYxjnoJDDt9yAF8lnqYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L0Zvb3RlckFjdGlvbj92ZXI9MyZibC1zZW5kZXItZG9tYWluPTEmaElEPTE4NTQ4ODk4NzAzJmRvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..> mailman.qth.net / Block<redir.aspx?REF=DYsxjWgSeQviQNoiIQF7evoFlzwqwq0ShRD6FTYtIvd8lnqYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L0Zvb3RlckFjdGlvbj92ZXI9MyZlbnQ9MSZibC1zZW5kZXItZG9tYWluPTEmaElEPTE4NTQ4ODk4NzAzJmRvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..> mailman.qth.net enterprise-wide This message was delivered because the content filter score did not exceed your filter level. ______________________________________________________________ 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] |
«
Return to Elecraft
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |