Hi Ted, I'm using the KX3 in a mobile - CW and SSB. For CW, I think QRP is working FB. For SSB, I would recommend the KXPA100. I've worked SSB using 5-10W, but it's difficult and can be frustrating, at least with the small car I have.
My XYL and I drove all over the upper mid-western US last month, using the KX3 in a Honda Civic. The antenna on the car is a Hustler 22" base mast, and I switched resonators around as needed (mostly 20m). Worked about 150 stations on SSB and about 30 on CW (stationary mobile). Had a lot of fun working W1AW centennial stations, etc. Even broke a few pileups, one to the UK while in Flagstaff, AZ. using 40W. Timing is everything. :) Grounding is very important in a mobile. In a mobile setting you're at a disadvantage anyway, but solid chassis grounding makes this a lot less worse. I don't know if you're in an RV or a Volkswagen. In this case, size can matter.... And the installation details may vary according to the type of vehicle. See this page for more information about using the KX3 in a mobile: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#KX3 (fifth line item down, including K0BG's web site). I wrote the first guide listed, but K0BG has more experience in general mobile ops and installations. I had a real blast working stations while mobile. It is still a Great Memory(tm) for me. For SSB, I use ALC metering to indicate optimal mic audio drive, as described in the KX3 manual. You're pretty safe adding a few clicks of compression - say 10 to 15 if using the MH3 mic. Setting TX EQ up helps boost useful talk power as well, and there are many articles on how to do that with the MH3 or any other mic or headset / mic. Note that I am an Elecraft employee, but I will tell you that the manual I wrote was written before that time. 73! matt W6NIA On Fri, 31 Oct 2014 03:26:36 +0000, you wrote: >After a half-century of CW only I am about, at last, to try SSB. The rig is a >KX3 operating from my car, into a Hustler mast with 15 and 20 meter >resonators. For the moment the power supply is the car's cigar lighter; and >the headset is Elecraft's standard-issue Heil, which I own but have never >used. So, I am looking for suggestions and advice. > >One specific question: I do not have a 'scope or any other equipment with >which to look at the transmitted waveform. I expect to do some practical >experimentation; but are there good starting points for the mic and audio >settings, and whatever else, in order to get the most effective and cleanest >signal? > >Another: Is SSB mobile on HF with 5 or 10 watts going to be practical, or >will it just be frustrating? The plan - now that my life affords the time for >it - is to put some rare counties in CO, NM, AZ and WY on the air. > >Suggestions, ideas, comments, imperatives, opinions - all are most welcome. > >Tnx, > >Ted, KN1CBR >______________________________________________________________ >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 >Message delivered to [email protected] Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
