[Elecraft] [KX3] "HF Pack Lite": Remote control of KX2 via UP/DN buttons on the MH3 mic

[Howard Hoyt]

Wayne,

That is just plain cool, kudos!

Howie - WA4PSC


On 9/11/2017 2:27 PM, Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com [KX3] wrote:
>
> Use of an HF radio while walking, or at least while standing (perhaps 
> taking in a view of the great outdoors), is generally referred to as 
> “pedestrian mobile.” Some operators even add /PM to identify as such.
>
> Two common forms of pedestrian mobile operation include:
>
> 1. HF Pack: This usually implies a radio carried in such a way that 
> the front panel can be used and the display viewed at all times. Often 
> a substantial antenna is used, as well as a large battery. This style 
> of operation may require a specialized backpack and other hardware, 
> and is reminiscent of military field communications.
>
> 2. HT-Style: This is as simple as it gets. Attach a whip antenna to 
> your hand-held radio (e.g., KX2 or KX3), connect a trailing ground 
> wire, and off you go.
>
> I’m interested in a third form that’s somewhere in between the two:
>
> 3. HF Pack Lite
>
> This is similar to HF Pack, in that the radio is worn in some fashion, 
> but it’s optimized for light weight and simplicity. For example, it 
> might involve:
>
> - placing the radio inside a small day pack, sling, or waist pack
> - using the radio’s own internal battery
> - a very lightweight antenna, such as a telescoping or flexible whip
> - simplified user interface, with just essential controls
>
> Combining all of the above, you get a minimalist station that allows 
> for a lot more freedom of movement and won’t wear you out because it’s 
> so lightweight. HF Pack Lite is also ideal for those (like me) who 
> wish to remain under the radar during urban hiking.
>
> I recently made progress on my own HF Pack Lite station that others 
> may benefit from.
>
> First, I found a great way to carry the KX2 or KX3: I’m now using a 
> Patagonia Atom 8L Sling, purchased at REI. This bag is very small, has 
> an internal compartment for the radio, and has a zipper that allows 
> the antenna to emerge at the top. Being a sling, it has roughly the 
> aesthetics of a “quiver,” with a single strap you place over your neck 
> and shoulder, like a camera bag. The only modification I made was to 
> add a grommet at the bottom through which I pass the mic cable, earbud 
> cable, and ground wire. I’m considering making a little harness for 
> these to speed up connect/disconnect.
>
> Next, I’m working on a firmware release that will allow extended radio 
> control via the MH3’s UP/DN buttons. Initially this will be added to 
> the KX2, then to the KX3 after field testing.
>
> Here’s how it works:
>
> Each time you press the mic’s UP and DN buttons together, you advance 
> through a set of mic-based operating functions. At present, these include:
>
> VFO control (default; this is what the UP/DN buttons already do)
> Key (hand key or keyer paddle using UP/DN buttons)
> Filter bandwidth (a few per-mode discrete selections)
> AF gain
> ATU tune
> Band
> Mode
>
> Morse code audio feedback is used to report the selected function. If 
> you go through the selections rapidly, the Morse characters are 
> truncated, so with a little practice you can quickly navigate to the 
> function you want. Functions are arranged from most often to least 
> often used.
>
> Other subtleties:
>
> * Anytime PTT is pressed, the menu resets to VFO control (a safe default).
>
> * Whenever the mic menu is used, all regular front-panel controls are 
> locked out, preventing their accidental adjustment. (Thanks to Matt, 
> W6NIA, for this suggestion.) All controls are unlocked if you power 
> down and back up.
>
> * A long hold of the UP/DN buttons puts the KX2 into a “standby” mode, 
> at about half of its normal current drain. Another press of the UP/DN 
> buttons restores normal operation.
>
> I started testing this yesterday. The small sling pack is a joy to use 
> compared to bulkier backpacks. It stays in place surprisingly well, 
> and with just a KX2 (1 lb with internal battery), it’s easy to forget 
> you’re wearing it. The mic controls are very intuitive in both CW and 
> SSB modes.
>
> One thing I have yet to find is a 4 to 5 foot ultra-flexible whip to 
> replace the MFJ-1820. Ideally it would cover multiple bands. The MFJ 
> whip is light enough, but it doesn’t coexist well with trees and 
> doorways, and it’s still a bit too obvious for my taste. (See “under 
> the radar,” above.)
>
> In short, HF Pack Lite is a great way to indulge in a bit of radio 
> while burning some calories, birdwatching, sightseeing, or engaging in 
> post-apocalyptic Neighborhood Watch.
>
> Comments or suggestions welcome.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> __._,_.___
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> Posted by: Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com>
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