[Elecraft] K3 going mobile?

[Don Wilhelm]

Robert,

I do not believe that the lack of 'mobile specific' information in th 
eK3 manual means that it is not recommended.

Just observe the normal mobile mounting safety guidelines to assure your 
driving safety and that of your passengers and other drivers, 
pedestrians, etc. Make good connections directly to the battery as you 
have indicated.  I would suggest putting 30 amp fuses in the lines (near 
the battery) based on my own 'rule of thumb' that the fuse should be 
about 1.5 times the highest peak current draw.

Put a good mobile antenna on it and enjoy your K3 mobile installation.

Engine noise and other related questions I cannot answer, perhaps your 
vehicle dealer can provide some insight or the experience of others with 
a mobile installation in the same or similar vehicle.

73,
Don W3FPR

Robert Klein wrote:
> I have a K3/100, no sub-receiver.
>
> I do not find anything in the K3 manual, on the Elecraft website or that I
> recall seeing on this reflector regarding mobile use of the K3.  All that I
> find in the manual is, ³12 VDC IN jack is an Anderson PowerPole connector
> rated at 30 amps. (See Specifications, pg.8, for detailed power
> requirements.)² and ³13.8 V nominal (11 V min, 15 V max). 17-22 A typical in
> TX for K3/100, 3-4 A typical in TX for K3/10. 0.9A typical RX (less sub
> receiver).  Recommended supply: 13.8VDC @ 25A, continuous duty for K3/100;
> 13.8VDC @ 6A for K3/10. For best results, use the supplied 5 foot (1.53 m)
> power cable.²
>
> I take long road trips several times a month and would love to be able to
> use my K3 along the way.  Can I assume by the lack of information that this
> is not recommended?  Of course, I don¹t want to something that would damage
> the unit or void the warranty.
>
> If I were to do this, I would expect to wire directly to the battery (not
> through the fuse panel) with fuses in both leads (how many amps, 25?).  Will
> I need some kind of choke or filter to avoid engine noise?  Anything else I
> should know or that you fine folks could suggest will be most appreciated?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert
> KI4ZHF
>   
>