Hi Bill, Me and my K3 have made two trips down to the Bahamas. The radio, a small switching power supply, and Heil Proset Plus headset, easily fit into my roll-on bag. There was even some room to spare for a good portion of my clothes and assorted travel supplies. My bag has an outside lap-top compartment that was filled with my full-size Dell lap top.
Next time I'd definitely go with a smaller computer. Though on the my first trip to C6A, a ran into a USB to RS-232 converter issue. I think this was likely linked to a driver issue with Vista. For the second trip, the lap-top was an older Dell with a real RS-232 port. Good luck with the new K3 and safe travels to the islands. Best 73s, Scott K2CK/C6ASH K3#2581 KX3 - Arrives on Monday (7/23/2012) -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dr. William J. Schmidt, II Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 8:06 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Elecraft] FW: Travel antennas - outside with rig inside I've spent the last ten years or so searching for the right radio and antenna combination for island jumping in the Caribbean. I started with am Icom 756 Pro II and dipoles (with snap-on legs) and used that combination for several years. The trouble is, the radio is extremely heavy, requiring a Pelican case for just the radio and accessories (just making the 50 lb limit). Two months ago I tried a Flex 3000 + Laptop and a new YP3 - portable 3 element beam/ tripod combination on a trip to PJ4... which from a traveling standpoint was ideal. The radio + power supply and laptop all fit into a carry-on briefcase, while the antenna and tripod fit into a small 3-foot long duffel bag. Unfortunately I found the radio to be very difficult to stabilize without counterpoises, lots of RF chokes, etc...so its history. Enter my new K3 <advertisement begins here>. I finished my new K3 last Friday and used it in the IARU over the weekend with the portable beam in the back yard, placing what looks like first in my section. I'm taking it to J68 in 2 weeks (for two weeks) to put it through its paces (including much needed RTTY contacts from J68). Hopefully I can fit the radio, power supply, and laptop in a carry-on. For those of you who have experience traveling with your K3's... I'd love to hear your experience (what worked and what didn't). I think, though, this combination will be a winner... Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ/ PJ4HZ Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch Staunton, Illinois email: [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
