Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Joe Moffatt]

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 [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on behalf of Eric Swartz - 
WA6HHQ, Elecraft [e...@elecraft.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 4:51 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
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:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net<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 
j...@selectconnect.net<redir.aspx?REF=P5PRlW6dp3-UIWkV5lcOsKv2GK9PHzh-XnRLKsUHhqEbNXiYmDrUCAFtYWlsdG86am9lQHNlbGVjdGNvbm5lY3QubmV0>

Total Control Panel 
Login<redir.aspx?REF=NbE0YlcntK4xJ5DHVf-0lN0bp1H1cU4E5d4vgrUwyPgbNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L2xvZ2luP2RvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..>

To: 
j...@selectconnect.net<redir.aspx?REF=aWD5IlFIukr6FPsv4-H6RdSuHgnwhCspfVPhHEGdYA0bNXiYmDrUCAFodHRwczovL2FzcC5yZWZsZXhpb24ubmV0L2FkZHJlc3MtcHJvcGVydGllcz9hSUQ9NzUwNjA3NzYxJmRvbWFpbj1zZWxlY3Rjb25uZWN0Lm5ldA..>
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net

Message Score: 1High (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 m

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Bill Steffey NY9H]

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 
speakerand 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 wattsI 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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Jim Brown]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Bill Johnson]

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:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike
Smith VE9AA
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 3:52 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
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: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 k9...@live.com
__
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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Mike Smith VE9AA]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Dave Fugleberg]

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 <kl...@acsalaska.net> 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 <fra...@pwpconsult.com>
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
> Message-ID:
>
>  <r470Ps-10121i-D921C73FAB194E4B92FD5F548C37C703@Williams-MacBook-Pro.local
> >
>
> 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'

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Edward R Cole]

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 <fra...@pwpconsult.com>
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2
Message-ID:

<r470Ps-10121i-D921C73FAB194E4B92FD5F548C37C703@Williams-MacBook-Pro.local>

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:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Bill Frantz]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Gmail - George]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Edward R Cole]

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:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


__
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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Mel Farrer via Elecraft]

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 <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
 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: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 farrerfo...@yahoo.com


   
__
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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Jim Brown]

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: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

[Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams & the KX2

[Wayne Burdick]

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"  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: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 n...@elecraft.com

__
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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Dick Dickinson]

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: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

Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Fred Jensen]

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: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

[Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[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:


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: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