[Elecraft] Mobile Radio Dreams

[Dick Dickinson]

Bill - I'm glad you brought this up.

I've been using the Yaesu FT-857D mobile for a number of years.  The number
one thing I appreciate about it is the remote head aspect.  It is suitably
sized to sit atop the column of the steering wheel.  The controls are all
accessible through the top open half of the steering wheel.  Eye deviation
from the roadway is minimal.  It does not in my case block information on
the dashboard.

One consideration that might be a further improvement is a heads up display.
A heads up display is one that reflects off the inside of the windshield
from a top of dashboard mounted display.  Controls might still be
incorporated into a unit that could mount atop the steering wheel column or
other convenient location.

HF Mobile operation is important to me.  I notice that Yaesu's new FT-891
follows the configuration of the 857D (though without 2m and 440MHz) with a
larger display area and an improved menu system.  While I enjoy HF mobile,
my perception is that it is on the decline in popularity.  I don't see HF
mobile setups unless I'm in the realm of a Hamfest. 

Best,
Dick - KA5KKT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A few weeks ago I passed a car with the license WA6HHQ and it 
got me to thinking: What if Elecraft made a radio specifically 
designed as a mobile radio? Here are some of my ideas:

It would have a UI designed to minimize driver distraction. This 
UI might draw inspiration from the 5 button AM radios of old, 
which could tune pre-sets without looking at the radio.

It would:
   Cover 80M-6M with 2M and 70cm being nice additions.

   Be available with 50-100W maximum output

   Have a small control head with a separation cable if necessary.

   Have a "hands free" operation option


One intriguing idea would be to use the smartphone interfaces 
available in some newer cars to provide the entire radio UI in a 
form that is well integrated into the auto console. Or at least 
use it as a panadapter display.

73 Bill AE6JV