[Elecraft] KX-3 - Thank you Elecraft for dropping over 10lbs off my pack weight

[Steve KC8QVO]

Keith Heimbold wrote
> 
> I am looking forward to putting together a similar station. Where did you
> purchase the solar panels?
> 
> 

Keith, 

The solar panels came from Powerfilm directly. I picked them up at Dayton 2
years ago, 25 sections/panels per pack and I got 2 packs. If I put them all
together it would be about 30 watts. I don't have them all put together,
though, just the sections I've been using. 

Here is the website:
http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/oem-components.php
http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/oem-components.php 
They are the MTP15-75's. I thought they were 150mA each, but they're only
50mA. There is a 150mA version though. That might offer more wattage per
ounce. 



ny4g wrote
> 
> I am not sure why nobody mentioned the KX1.  It has 4 watts output, 4
> bands, weighs next to nothing, 55 mA on receive, and with a 4500mA SLA (1
> lb) or the equivalent LiFePo which is half the weight and Par Ef-40-20-10
> and a spool of wire for 80m the entire group is perhaps 2 lbs or so - now
> that is light (no mic, no external key - just the KXPD1.  The only thing
> lighter will be a XCVR single bander in an Altoids tin.
> 
> Ariel
> 

Ariel, 

The KX1 is a great option too. I had the pleasure of operating one for a
weekend. I did not get to take it on a trek, just at home. I borrowed it for
a presentation on Ham radio I did at OSU. At the time I had not made the
migration to Elecraft myself. I was highly considering a KX1 because of its
size and weight for the trail. However, I took in to account how I use my
radios and where I use them the most. The KX1 would have been a trail-only
rig. I had been wanting a K2 so I weighed the options and the K2 won. Now I
am pretty glad I held off on the KX1 now that the KX3 came along. I did miss
the solder melting, but it was also nice to power up and do something with
the rig the same day I opened the box.

That having been said, the KX3 is my ideal backpacking rig - and even beyond
that. Elecraft packed so much in to this little rig that it is hard to call
it a compromise. I don't mean this to be negative in any way, but I would
call the K1 and KX1 compromise rigs for the reason that they aren't
full-featured rigs (select bands and CW only, vs. all bands all modes). When
you look at what the KX3 has to offer, in as small and light of a package
that it is, you really have to look twice to realize that, no you aren't
dreaming, it really does THAT too. 

To each their own, but I think I've come across the best thing since sliced
bread. My backpacking buddies can even join in the fun - it does SSB so I
don't have to throw the headphones on and tap out CW in confinement. The
next time I get flown around for work I can throw this in my luggage, not
take up too much space or weight, and not feel like I left anything behind.
Same goes for weekend trips to visit family and friends. It's small and
light, without missing a thing. Once the 2m module comes out I can even
leave an HT behind. 

Steve, KC8QVO




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