Gets me out of the house, that’s for sure. I’ll be happy to send you the new code.
Wayne N6KR > On Sep 11, 2017, at 12:47 PM, Howard Hoyt hh...@mebtel.net [KX3] > <kx3-nore...@yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Wayne, > > That is just plain cool, kudos! > > Howie - WA4PSC > > > > On 9/11/2017 2:27 PM, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com [KX3] wrote: >> >> Use of an HF radio while walking, or at least while standing (perhaps taking >> in a view of the great outdoors), is generally referred to as “pedestrian >> mobile.” Some operators even add /PM to identify as such. >> >> Two common forms of pedestrian mobile operation include: >> >> 1. HF Pack: This usually implies a radio carried in such a way that the >> front panel can be used and the display viewed at all times. Often a >> substantial antenna is used, as well as a large battery. This style of >> operation may require a specialized backpack and other hardware, and is >> reminiscent of military field communications. >> >> 2. HT-Style: This is as simple as it gets. Attach a whip antenna to your >> hand-held radio (e.g., KX2 or KX3), connect a trailing ground wire, and off >> you go. >> >> I’m interested in a third form that’s somewhere in between the two: >> >> 3. HF Pack Lite >> >> This is similar to HF Pack, in that the radio is worn in some fashion, but >> it’s optimized for light weight and simplicity. For example, it might >> involve: >> >> - placing the radio inside a small day pack, sling, or waist pack >> - using the radio’s own internal battery >> - a very lightweight antenna, such as a telescoping or flexible whip >> - simplified user interface, with just essential controls >> >> Combining all of the above, you get a minimalist station that allows for a >> lot more freedom of movement and won’t wear you out because it’s so >> lightweight. HF Pack Lite is also ideal for those (like me) who wish to >> remain under the radar during urban hiking. >> >> I recently made progress on my own HF Pack Lite station that others may >> benefit from. >> >> First, I found a great way to carry the KX2 or KX3: I’m now using a >> Patagonia Atom 8L Sling, purchased at REI. This bag is very small, has an >> internal compartment for the radio, and has a zipper that allows the antenna >> to emerge at the top. Being a sling, it has roughly the aesthetics of a >> “quiver,” with a single strap you place over your neck and shoulder, like a >> camera bag. The only modification I made was to add a grommet at the bottom >> through which I pass the mic cable, earbud cable, and ground wire. I’m >> considering making a little harness for these to speed up connect/disconnect. >> >> Next, I’m working on a firmware release that will allow extended radio >> control via the MH3’s UP/DN buttons. Initially this will be added to the >> KX2, then to the KX3 after field testing. >> >> Here’s how it works: >> >> Each time you press the mic’s UP and DN buttons together, you advance >> through a set of mic-based operating functions. At present, these include: >> >> VFO control (default; this is what the UP/DN buttons already do) >> Key (hand key or keyer paddle using UP/DN buttons) >> Filter bandwidth (a few per-mode discrete selections) >> AF gain >> ATU tune >> Band >> Mode >> >> Morse code audio feedback is used to report the selected function. If you go >> through the selections rapidly, the Morse characters are truncated, so with >> a little practice you can quickly navigate to the function you want. >> Functions are arranged from most often to least often used. >> >> Other subtleties: >> >> * Anytime PTT is pressed, the menu resets to VFO control (a safe default). >> >> * Whenever the mic menu is used, all regular front-panel controls are locked >> out, preventing their accidental adjustment. (Thanks to Matt, W6NIA, for >> this suggestion.) All controls are unlocked if you power down and back up. >> >> * A long hold of the UP/DN buttons puts the KX2 into a “standby” mode, at >> about half of its normal current drain. Another press of the UP/DN buttons >> restores normal operation. >> >> I started testing this yesterday. The small sling pack is a joy to use >> compared to bulkier backpacks. It stays in place surprisingly well, and with >> just a KX2 (1 lb with internal battery), it’s easy to forget you’re wearing >> it. The mic controls are very intuitive in both CW and SSB modes. >> >> One thing I have yet to find is a 4 to 5 foot ultra-flexible whip to replace >> the MFJ-1820. Ideally it would cover multiple bands. The MFJ whip is light >> enough, but it doesn’t coexist well with trees and doorways, and it’s still >> a bit too obvious for my taste. (See “under the radar,” above.) >> >> In short, HF Pack Lite is a great way to indulge in a bit of radio while >> burning some calories, birdwatching, sightseeing, or engaging in >> post-apocalyptic Neighborhood Watch. >> >> Comments or suggestions welcome. >> >> 73, >> Wayne >> N6KR ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
