{"id":15682,"date":"2015-11-20T08:23:18","date_gmt":"2015-11-20T12:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=15682"},"modified":"2015-11-20T14:17:26","modified_gmt":"2015-11-20T18:17:26","slug":"scotts-elecraft-kx3-go-box","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/11\/scotts-elecraft-kx3-go-box\/","title":{"rendered":"Scott’s Elecraft KX3 Go-Box"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to Scott (AK5SD)<\/strong> who shares the following photos and bill of materials for his custom Elecraft KX3<\/a> go-box:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\"IMG_0531\"<\/a> \"IMG_0534\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0532\"<\/a> \"IMG_0535\"<\/a> \"IMG_0537\"<\/a> \"IMG_0536\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

Bill of materials<\/h2>\n

The panel was custom laser cut by Front Panel Express<\/a>. I have the CAD
\nfile and I\u2019m willing to share it with anyone who wants to reproduce my effort.<\/p>\n

Amazon.com<\/strong>
\nCase B&W Type 1000 Outdoor Case with SI Foam<\/a>
\nYou won\u2019t use the foam, so you can buy the version without it if you can find it cheaper.<\/p>\n

Battery Anker Astro Pro2 20000mAh Multi-Voltage<\/a> (5V 12V 16V 19V)
\nPortable Charger External Battery Power Bank
\nAvoid look alike batteries and the next generation model from Anker. The newer Anker
\nbattery is only capable of delivering 1.5A from the 12V supply. Two look alike batteries
\nI tried did not have the auto-off feature that the Anker does.<\/p>\n

Vetco.net<\/strong>
\nACC2 and I\/Q Jacks 2 x 2.5mm Stereo Jack Panel Mount (PH-666J-B<\/a>)
\nPhone, Key, and ACC1 3 x 3.5mm Stereo Jack Panel Mount (High Quality) (PH-504KB<\/a>)
\nMic Jack 1 x 3.5mm 4 Conductor Jack Panel Mount (PH-70-088B<\/a>)
\n12V IN and CHG IN 2 x 2.1mm DC Power Panel Mount Jack (PH-2112<\/a>)
\n12V OUT 1 x 2.5mm DC Power Panel Mount Jack (PH-2512<\/a>)<\/p>\n

You also need plugs and wire for interconnects. I bought some 2.5mm (CES-11-5502<\/a>)
\nand 3.5mm (PH-44-468<\/a> for stereo, PH-44-470<\/a> for 4-conductor) audio cables with right
\nangle plugs and just cut them to use for the signal lines going to the KX3. I did the same
\nthing for the 2.5mm (PH-TC250<\/a>) and 2.1mm (PH-TC210<\/a>) power cables. A couple of
\ncaveats are in order. The Phone, Key, and ACC1 interconnects require low profile
\nright angle connectors. The cables I listed above won\u2019t work. Vetco part number
\nVUPN10338<\/a> will work. The power cables I\u2019ve listed above use 24 gauge wire. This
\nis a little light, but the runs are small so I think it is OK. You can use higher gauge
\ncables if you can find a source.<\/p>\n

USBfirewire.com<\/strong>
\nUSB OUT USB 2.0 Right Angle Extension Cable (RR-AAR04P-20G<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Digikey.com<\/strong>
\nL Brackets 8 x Bracket Rt Ang Mount 4-40 Steel (612K-ND<\/a>)
\nThese L brackets are used to mount the KX3 to the panel and the panel to the case.
\nFor mounting the KX3, I use a little piece of stick on felt on the bracket to protect the
\nKX3\u2019s cabinet from damage. Replace the KX3\u2019s screws with #4-40 Thread Size, 1\/4\u201d
\nLength Steel Pan Head Machine Screw, Black Oxide Finish (see below). For the panel
\nmounting, use #6-32 Thread Size, 3\/16\u201d Length self tapping sheet metal screw. You
\nmay need to cut the tip off in order to not puncture the outside of the case.<\/p>\n

RG316 BNC Male Angle to BNC Female SM Bulkhead Coaxial RF Pigtail Cable<\/a> (6\u201d)
\nThis is not the original interconnect I used for connecting the KX3\u2019s antenna output to
\nthe panel. However, I think it is a better option for new designs. The caveat is that you
\nwill need to verify the hole in the panel matches the bulkhead connector on this cable.
\nThere will be a little loop in the cable when you are done, but that is fine.<\/p>\n

Micrfasteners.com<\/strong>
\nScrews for Sound Card 2 x FMSP2510 – M 2.5 x .45 x 10mm<\/a>
\nScrews for KX3 Bracket Mount 4 x MSPPK0404 – 4-40 x 1\/4<\/a>
\nScrews for Countersunk Panel Holes 8 x FMPPK0403 – 4-40 x 3\/16<\/a>
\nScrews for USB Connector *** 2 x FMPPK0406 – 4-40 x 3\/8<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019m pretty sure these are the right length for the USB connector. I am doing it from memory.<\/p>\n

Amazon.com or eBay.com<\/strong>
\nSoundmatters foxL DASH A Wireless Bluetooth Soundbar<\/a> (OPTIONAL)<\/p>\n

Sonoma Wire Works GJ2USB GuitarJack 2 USB Portable Audio Interface<\/a> (OPTIONAL)
\n(Make sure you get the USB model, not the 30-pin model.)<\/p>\n

This is optional if you want a built-in sound card interface for a waterfall display using iSDR.\u00a0Make sure to eliminate the holes in the upper left corner of the panel if you are not installing.\u00a0You will also need 2.5mm x 10mm screws to mount this to the bottom of the panel (see below).<\/p>\n

bhi Compact In-Line Noise Eliminating Module<\/a> (OPTIONAL)<\/p>\n

In my opinion, the KX3\u2019s noise reduction is totally ineffective for SSB communications. This\u00a0external noise reducing DSP is one solution, albeit an expensive one, to that problem. It is\u00a0only for SSB, not CW or digital modes. It is also available from GAP Antenna Products<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0530\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Scott: you have done a beautiful<\/strong> job here and have spared no expense to make a wonderfully-engineered and rugged go-box. No doubt, you’re ready to take your KX3 to the field and enjoy world-class performance on a moment’s notice.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Though I’ve never used them personally, I’ve noticed others<\/a> who have taken advantage of the\u00a0Front Panel Express<\/a>\u00a0engraving service–certainly makes for a polished and professional front panel.<\/em><\/p>\n

Again, many thanks for not only sharing your photos, but also your bill of materials which will make\u00a0it much easier for others to draw inspiration from your design!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"AK5SD_QSL_Card\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Speaking of designs, when I looked up Scott on QRZ.com<\/a>, I noticed that he also sports a QSL card (above) designed by my good friend, Jeff Murray (K1NSS)<\/a>. Obviously, Scott is a man with good taste!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to Scott (AK5SD) who shares the following photos and bill of materials for his custom Elecraft KX3 go-box: Bill of materials The panel was custom laser cut by Front Panel Express. I have the CAD file and I\u2019m willing to share it with anyone who wants to reproduce my effort. Amazon.com Case B&W […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3194,545,3,3196,553,26,43],"tags":[389,2034,2547,4421,2103,4420,3793,4102,3183,4126,1303,4419],"class_list":["post-15682","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-guest-posts","category-ham-radio","category-news","category-portable-radio","category-preparedness","category-radios","category-shortwave-radio","tag-amateur-radio","tag-elecraft","tag-elecraft-kx3","tag-elecraft-kx3-go-box","tag-go-bag","tag-go-box","tag-go-kit","tag-ham-radio","tag-kx3","tag-portable-radio","tag-qrp","tag-scott-ak5sd"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-44W","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":20212,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/07\/build-a-cardboard-stand-for-the-elecraft-kx3\/","url_meta":{"origin":15682,"position":0},"title":"Build a cardboard stand for the Elecraft KX3","author":"Thomas","date":"July 30, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post reader,\u00a0Tomasz Pabich (SP7Q), who has created the following Instructable describing how to build a cardboard stand for the Elecraft KX3. Click here to view on Instructables. I love how practical and affordable this project is. \u00a0The stand would be simple to disassemble and take to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"KX3-Cardboard-Stand-1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/KX3-Cardboard-Stand-1-1024x640.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/KX3-Cardboard-Stand-1-1024x640.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/KX3-Cardboard-Stand-1-1024x640.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":29324,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/11\/radio-deal-elecrafts-black-friday-sale\/","url_meta":{"origin":15682,"position":1},"title":"Radio Deal: Elecraft’s “Black Friday” sale","author":"Thomas","date":"November 24, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"If you've been considering an Elecraft transceiver, you might want to take a gander a the discounts Elecraft has posted for Black Friday. Two of my favorite portable transceivers are in the sale: The\u00a0KX2 Transceiver + FREE MH3 Microphone ($699.95 US) The KX3 Transceiver (modular kit) + FREE MH3 Microphone\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Elecraft-Black-Friday.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Elecraft-Black-Friday.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Elecraft-Black-Friday.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Elecraft-Black-Friday.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22375,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/holiday-deals-elecrafts-black-friday-event\/","url_meta":{"origin":15682,"position":2},"title":"Holiday Deals: Elecraft’s Black Friday event","author":"Thomas","date":"November 24, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"If you've been thinking about pulling the trigger on an Elecraft transceiver, now may be a good time. 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Here's their full Black Friday advertisement: Even if you aren't a ham, you might consider an Elecraft\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Deals"","block_context":{"text":"Deals","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/deals\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"elecraft-kx3-radioaustralia","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Elecraft-KX3-RadioAustralia.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Elecraft-KX3-RadioAustralia.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Elecraft-KX3-RadioAustralia.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Elecraft-KX3-RadioAustralia.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6872,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2013\/07\/a-review-of-the-elecraft-kx3-a-world-class-transceiver-superb-shortwave-receiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":15682,"position":3},"title":"Review of the Elecraft KX3: world-class transceiver, superb shortwave receiver","author":"Thomas","date":"July 14, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"I originally wrote this review for Monitoring Times Magazine, May 2013 issue (pages 56-57). The review that follows has been expanded and includes updates. You may have noticed that in the past few years, while more and more software defined radios (SDRs) are appearing on the market, fewer and fewer\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Radios"","block_context":{"text":"Radios","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/radios\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Elecraft KX3 Transceiver (Click to enlarge)","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/IMG_6686-300x199.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8697,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/01\/listening-to-behavior-night-on-the-elecraft-kx3-qrp-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":15682,"position":4},"title":"Listening to beHAVior Night on the Elecraft KX3 QRP transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"January 31, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Last year, I reviewed the Elecraft KX3 transceiver as a fantastic radio to consider if you're an amateur radio operator who also happens to love SWLing. 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