[Elecraft] K3 going expeditionary

[Clay Autery]

IF it were me, I would run two NEW, 10GA or better high strand count 
wires (twisted by hand or drill) from the battery to the cabin with 
appropriate fuses in BOTH POS and NEG lines, and the Anderson PP 
connector on the end.
Ideally, I would also put a SPST switch in the POS (my pref), or a DPST 
switch across both leads so that I could turn the power off there for 
connection purposes (optional).

This gives you the ability to 1) power the K3 with Key off, engine off 
if desired, and 2) gives you a big, shortest run dedicated to the radio.
Additionally, it gives you a twisted pair, AND the ability to put chokes 
wherever you might need them to quiet down the power source from 
possible noise from the vehicle.

73,

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389

On 08/23/20 13:32, Ed K1EP wrote:
> You could do that. I wouldn't advise it for other reasons. Why don't you
> measure the current at different power levels when on a power supply? There
> is a current display on the radio. The cigarette plug is not directly
> connected to the battery. There is likely to be poor connections resulting
> in IR losses and other problems.
>
> On Sun, Aug 23, 2020, 14:22 Ted Edwards W3TB <w3tb.ted at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I am planning to put my K3 in the car for the upcoming Tennessee QSO Party
>> so that I can go rover/expeditionary.
>>
>> With that comes a question:  Powering from that accessory socket which
>> appears limited to 15 amps instead of the 20 amps that the K3 wants at full
>> power, do I understand right that reducing to 50 watts output and taking
>> the -3dB will work out in terms of power draw?
>>
>> In the past, I have done QRP and would like to be a bit louder this time.
>> Thanks to all who might respond.
>>
>> --
>> 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWW
>>
>> and thinking about operating CW:
>> "Do today what others won't,
>> so you can do tomorrow what others can't."
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