On Wed, 25 Jul 2012, Steve KC8QVO wrote:
> KX3 with KXPD3 = 28.4oz
> 6w solar panel = 5.3oz
I have some similar hikes coming up this fall, and I'm starting to
think about what I want to bring along for hf. I usually backpack the K1
with internal batteries and tuner. If I want to go smaller/lighter, I
take a ruggedized 40m SST instead. This year, a KX3 may be a possibility!
FWIW, I've never run the K1's internal batteries dry on a camping trip,
even with a few nights of radio. 'Course I'm usually with other folks, so
introvert time with the radio is limited to about three hours a day.
What solar panel are you using? I wouldn't expect to get too many
hours of good light [here in the Pacific Northwest], since we'd be hiking
during the best sun, and I tend to avoid direct sunlight whenever I can.
It would make sense, however, if we spent a day at camp before turning
back around. I've certainly run a great many portable contests on solar!
I have a flexable panel that I could tie to the back of my pack if I
thought it would get enough light while hiking to make a difference.
Powering the internal KX3 charger from a panel while hiking could be a
worthwhile experiment.
I can't believe you lugged an 857 on a hike! Before the KX3, if you
really wanted 5-10 watts of SSB on a hike, it was hard to go wrong with
one of MFJ's adventure radios! 'Course, I try to limit my average pack
weight to 30lbs :).
- kb7psg
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