Hi All,
A quality (and expensive) transceiver like the K3 probably
deserves a really nice carrying case, like the ones made by
Pelican cases. However, I haven't gone to that extent yet,
but perhaps I will eventually. In the meantime, I've been
carrying around a piece of paper with the dimensions for my
K3, and every so often I see a "container" that seems like a
possibility. But, until yesterday, I hadn't run across
anything that really seemed like a good option.
While "cruising" the local Fred Meyer store here in Newport,
Oregon, I ran across some clear plastic cases that looked
like good possibilities. These are called "Snap-Top Cases",
and are made by a company called Iris. You can view them at
www.irisusainc.com. You have to download the 2007 product
line file which is in PDF format.
There are 2 sizes of these cases, and the large one actually
works very well for the K3. The listed dimensions are 17
1/4 W, 14 1/8 D, and 6 1/16 H. However, these dimensions
are misleading as they are the outside dimensions (very
misleading in my view!). Nonetheless, the inside dimensions
are sufficient--actually very good. If you put the K3 into
the large container sideways, it just fits width-wise! That
leaves about 5 inches of space going lengthwise, but that's
a good thing for also storing things like your microphone,
paddle, or other accessories. The case would actually
handle a piece of equipment that was a bit taller or deeper,
but not wider. So that gives you a good idea of what you
could fit into it.
The case has a top that closes, and two locking snaps.
However, it's not a really secure closure, but the case does
seal pretty well. And their is a molded "built in" handle
which actually keeps the lid securely closed if used. So. I
don't think there would be much chance for an accidental
case opening. You probably have to see this first hand to
fully understand what I am describing, but I think it's a
pretty good case for transporting your K3. I also think it
would do a very effective job of protecting the K3 from
moisture, etc. The case sells normally for $9, but it
currently is on sale for $8 at Fred Meyer.
By the way, the smaller case is a reasonably good size for
storing/transporting a K2. There is a proportional amount
of extra space for storing accessories. The smaller case
doesn't have the molded handle feature, so a little more
care would be required if you were carrying it. But it's
small enough to get a good grip on it, and you could always
add a simple strap to make sure it remained closed. It also
seals nicely, and would do a very good job keeping mositure
out. Cost for this case was only about $5.
I think these cases would be very convenient and effective
for storing/transporting all sorts of radio gear. I picked
up a couple of extra cases to use for other equipment.
Hopefully their availability isn't limited.
Dave W7AQK
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