[Elecraft] Carrying case for a K3?

[Lance Collister]

Hello Alexander,

This is a problem I also am currently wrestling with.  The K3 (depending on 
options) weighs around 12 pounds by itself.  If you buy a good solid state 
switching power supply such as a 300w Meanwell HRP-300-12, you can get by
adding only another 2-3 pounds if you include the power cord.

For DOMESTIC carry-on luggage, that is not so bad, and you can easily fit it in a 
suitable carry-on bag.  For my last couple of DXpeditions, I lined the two 
roll-on carry-on bags for my wife and I with a foam pad from backpacking trips and 
other foam pieces as shown in this photo:

http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/K3CarryOn.JPG

The amp and wattmeter are in the bag on the left.  The K3, switching power supply, 
box with the PR6, and some thin odds and ends are in the bag on the right.  Note 
that everything was wrapped in plastic bags to waterproof the equipment, and 
carefully padded, since there were two flights in smaller planes where they had to 
be checked as baggage.  I had no problems with this arrangement on two separate 
DXpeditions.

HOWEVER, the total weight (including the roller-bags) of each of these was around 
25 pounds.  Many international airlines only permit 15 pounds TOTAL WEIGHT for 
personal carry-on luggage, and they also have much smaller acceptable dimensions. 
  Since my current switching power supply and K3 already exceed 15 pounds before 
adding any packing material or a bag, this is a real challenge.  The amplifier and 
wattmeter are in the same situation.  Obviously, the larger switching power supply 
for the amplifier will have to continue to be shipped in a suitcase in checked 
baggage.

I will probably have to invest in new MeanWell power supplies to shave off a few 
pounds, but still have the obstacle of needing to find some very durable but 
lightweight carry-on bag that will provide enough protection to be able to be 
checked, but still be small enough to meet the small size and weight requirements 
of new international airlines.

It probably means no roller bags at all, and use of much smaller hard sided 
carry-on bags.  More of the fragile equipment (wattmeter, all power supplies, 
preamp, etc.) will have to go into checked baggage suitcases.  All I can say is 
that it doesn't take much of a case to bring your K3 up to 15 pounds and exceed 
allowable international carry-on sizes!

I have seen some small cases in airports that look like they would work, but I 
have not found a place to get one yet.  Please keep me posted as to what you come 
up with!  TNX and VY 73, Lance

On 3/21/2011 2:38 PM, Alexander Sack wrote:
> Hello:
>
> I just bought a K3 (waiting for it to arrive by tomorrow afternoon)
> and I'd like to use it as a semi-portable rig.  I don't mean I am
> going to be mounting in my truck but I'd like to it on trips with me.
> I was just curious what you guys to for an all-in-one case?  (K3,
> power supply, any accessories, etc. etc.).
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated?
>
> 73's,
>
> -aps (KC2ZSX)
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-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728   URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
LIVE MESSENGER CHAT: w7gj at hotmail.com  SKYPE: lancew7gj
2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815

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