[Elecraft] K3/0 all in one box?

[Harry Yingst via Elecraft]

It would be nice if remote rig had a version that was that was a bit closer tailored to the K3/0
If I get the desire to get a K3 again I may just get someone to bend
me a custom sized box to hold the Remote Rig hardware and a PS



      From: Barry Baines <bbaines at mac.com>
 To: Harry Yingst <hlyingst at yahoo.com> 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 4:29 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/0 all in one box?
   
Harry:

Interesting idea.  Reducing "clutter" and simplifying hookup to only requiring power and internet access does have appeal.  Not having to unplug and replug between K3/O-Mini and RemoteRig will reduce errors.  For example, I have managed to connect the wrong item to the wrong port because the same connector type is used for IO and TTL on the RRC-1258. I've subsequently labeled all connections on the interface cable to try to minimize attaching to the wrong port.  

My ham station is in Georgia and my primary residence is in Massachusetts, so I'm always traveling between the two locations. I take the K3/O-Mini, Remote Rig and headset/mic with me all the time.  I ended up purchasing a Pelican Case to  hold the K3/O-Mini, RemoteRig, power "warts" (one each to power RemoteRig and K3/O-Mini), Elecraft interface cable that goes between the K3/O-Mini and RemoteRig, a duplex power cord to plug both "warts," ethernet cable, and associated jumpers for the audio side along with a K3 "Nifty" Manual.  I carry the headset/mic in a separate case.

In other words, there is a good amount of "stuff" that is needed when operating remote.  One advantage of having the K3/O-Mini and Remote Rig be separate is that it allows the K3 to be placed in a very small space. For example, I'm using the K3/O-Mini sitting on a window sill in front of me above the laptop that is sitting on a built-in table along the wall in my office in Georgia away from the ham shack that is in a separate building (garage).  A K3-sized device would take up a signifiant amount of table space on the desk and wouldn't function as well. This arrangement also allows the RemoteRig to be positioned closer to the ethernet connection (I don't use wireless) and power outlet, with only needing to string the cable between the RemoteRig and K3/O-Mini in my working area.  That said, having a simplified connection process would be even better.  

I do agree that there could be things done to simplify the connection process, but that would probably take a redesign of the RemoteRig interface. For example, since a 15-pin connector is used in the back of the K3/O-Mini to connect to the RemoteRig, it would be nice to have a corresponding 15-pin connector on the front end of RemoteRig to allow all connections to be made at once, eliminating the possibility of plugging the wrong item to the wrong connector.  Or, perhaps Elecraft might consider reworking the RRC-1258 to fit within a slightly larger K3/O-Mini device and have all connections done internally.  Either arrangement would require closer cooperation between Elecraft and RemoteRig and the development of a product specific for the K3 line.  

In the meantime, I'd be interested to learn how others are dealing with setup and storage/transportation of their "portable" station equipment.  Since I usually drive between MA and GA, there isn't any problem with having room in the vehicle for my "toys." 

FWIW,

Barry Baines
WD4ASW
 


> On Jan 13, 2015, at 3:43 PM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> About a year ago I had strongly considered getting the full size K3/0and putting the RemoteRig inside so it would be self contained.
> Now with the K3/0 Mini it got me thinking that a nice accessory would be a box thatwould hold the Remote Rig, a small power supply and possibly a wireless adapter.That way the K3/0 Mini would just mount to the front making it one unit.
> My thoughts being that it would only take a walloutlet and an Ethernet connection to be on the air.
>  Has Elecraft considered such an option?
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