[Elecraft] K3 going mobile?

[J. Heide]

Robert,

I have used my K3 mobile a few times. Be sure you have a good, heavy power lead that goes directly to the battery with the proper fuse near the battery. If you are going to run mobile for the long term, maybe install some Jack Nuts (like Molly bolts in drywall, but for metal) and fabricate a bracket. See if there is a tech bulletin from your car's maker on mobile radio installations. They might have some warnings on where to run antenna cable. Be sure you use a high quality double shielded antenna cable. I oversee radio installations in patrol cars, and keeping he RF where you want it is important. I can't tell you how the K3 noise blanker works on ignition noise...My car is Diesel.

Josh K6ZRX


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