KX-3 Radio

[binrat]

OK, I'm getting the itch, meaning time for a different radio. Users of the KX3, does anyone have it mobile and how do you find it??
My planned use would be mobile with the amp and portable when I'm in the mountains.

 

[Moleculo]

I have the KX3 (just installed the 2M board in a friends' this weekend) and it is an absolutely fantastic radio.

I have a different friend with one that uses his mobile, although I do not. He likes it, but it is a bit larger than most mobile radios which poses some installation challenges. While the performance of the radio is stellar, I don't care to install mine mobile and choose to stick with the Icom 7000. The main reasons for this are the Icom's ability to tuck the body of the radio under a seat and route all of the cables / wires to that. With the KX3, you will have a whole bunch of wires running directly to the radio itself. If you can work out an installation that cleans that up, then you will be fine. The other thing I don't like for mobile is the VFO. The new ball bearing VFO on the KX3 is really smooth, but I like the 7000's cam setting that allows you to put it in "click" mode, where it won't freely spin while you're bouncing down the radio.

I guess it really comes down to what your criteria is for mobile use. Performance-wise, the radio rocks. But for me, a good mobile is as much about the package and installation possibilities as performance, and the KX3 wasn't designed with the mobile market necessarily as it's first criteria.

 

[binrat]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a TS-480HX in the truck. The spot where the head unit is mounted has room for the size. The only thing I didn't think about was the VFO. The 489 has a adjustable resistance on the VFO which is real handy when doing driving down the road doing 80 MPH.
BTW, I still got an itch for one but can't do it without selling the 480.

 

[Moleculo]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a TS-480HX in the truck. The spot where the head unit is mounted has room for the size. The only thing I didn't think about was the VFO. The 489 has a adjustable resistance on the VFO which is real handy when doing driving down the road doing 80 MPH.
BTW, I still got an itch for one but can't do it without selling the 480.

There is a way to adjust the drag on the KX3, but you can't do it on-the-fly. The VFO lock button is also right next to the VFO, so that helps, too. If you can find room for the TS-480, the KX3 should be a breeze.

 

[binrat]

There is a way to adjust the drag on the KX3, but you can't do it on-the-fly. The VFO lock button is also right next to the VFO, so that helps, too. If you can find room for the TS-480, the KX3 should be a breeze.

What do you have as accessories for the radio?? Is an aftermarket heat sink really needed for it?? I plan to get the handles and lexan cover for it but not sure about a heatsink.

 

[Moleculo]

What do you have as accessories for the radio?? Is an aftermarket heat sink really needed for it?? I plan to get the handles and lexan cover for it but not sure about a heatsink.

The aftermarket heat sink is only really necessary for full duty cycle modes, such as some digital modes. I just installed one on mine and will have an article up about it later today. I don't have that many other true accessories - I have options like the 2m module, the paddle, tuner, filter, and battery charger. I have enough interface cables to run digital modes or a panadapter when I want and I also use a small RC battery when operating portable.