[Elecraft] Elecraft KX4

[Rick WA6NHC]

While I agree that a panadapter is unneeded, unwise and distracting when 
operating mobile, one should plan for safety by minimal interaction with 
any device added to a vehicle.  This would include any touch screen 
display, since we won't avoid them.  For example;

The control heads of my V/U/HF radios are on the dash (I built a vehicle 
non-destructive frame for mounting) along with the (voice controlled) 
GPS so they are not distracting, easily reached for the few times 
adjustments are required and most importantly, WITHIN the normal visual 
scanning range of the driver (left mirror, windshield, gauges, 
windshield, right mirror; reverse and repeat).  They are high enough to 
be seen without looking down (use peripheral vision for the road), yet 
low enough to not block vision of the road (drivers with a height issue 
too).

The HF station uses a Turbo Tuner and Tarheel, one button to tune it is 
the only driver interaction.

The meters, don't matter (and can't be seen without reading glasses 
anyway), only the frequencies are truly needed as visible to the 
driver.  The use of preset memory slots makes it much safer.

Each radio has function buttons on the mic as well, so direct 
interaction is very low.  The radio scanner (in the console, next to the 
phone, for traffic problem awareness during travel for potential 
re-routing) is not among this collection on the dash since the mode of 
speech tells you who is talking (cops don't sound like fire and medical 
is different altogether).

Placement also allows the passenger to be the operator; and they also 
manage the sound system when the HF is turned off.

However, while it was once common for me to multitask while driving a 
large fire truck; it's a good idea to note that aging of the driver 
lowers the ability to do this well.  If you don't pay attention to that, 
it's possible to learn that reduction of ability in a negative manner.  
Take note; that reduction creeps up over time.

Setting up a mobile station requires significant planning and thought 
along with the understanding that sometimes, the OFF button is the best 
choice; yes even a simple dual band V/UHF (mostly used for APRS to 
reduce the 'where are you?' calls and to allow the coffee to be fresh 
upon arrival).

(I typically only use mobile HF when parked or while hauling the fifth 
wheel on an interstate but never in a city or other traffic dense 
situation.  After decades of my career, listening to multiple audio 
sources at the same time is second nature to me; extract what is 
relevant, ignore the rest. The fifth wheel has it's own station.)

Rick NHC


On 7/1/2019 6:21 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> May I suggest that any Mobile (meaning mounted in a vehicle) 
> transceiver NOT have a touchscreen or panadapter.
> It can create additional distracted driver problems, and we have 
> enough of that already with automotive touchscreens, navigation 
> systems, and the like.
>
> I for one do not operate mobile - my eyes and attention need to be on 
> the road and not some device in the vehicle.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>