Category: K6ARK Portable Radio

Four new padded cases arrived and are ready for an unboxing and fit check. Will any of these be a perfect match for the LNR Precision Mountain Topper MTR3B? Let’s find out…

SPOILER ALERT:
The last case – an Amazon Basics portable hard drive case – is just about perfect. But the other cases have their niches too. Check out the video to see how I’m putting them to use.

Item List:
#1: GLCON Case ($5.99) https://amzn.to/3g3nIqb
Perfect fit for these smaller mint tins https://amzn.to/3aCBcrN which will fit a standard Pixie transceiver board with minor trimming. Too small for MTR3B or full-size Altoids tins.

#2: ProCase Travel Case for Crucial X8 drive ($9.99) https://amzn.to/3g7gBgm
Perfect fit for Altoids mint tin radios with connectors and buttons on the skinny ends only. This one worked out perfect for my Forty-Niner and Chinese Super Rockmite (not shown in video). Too small for MTR3B.

#3: ProCase for Samsung T5 ($8.99) https://amzn.to/3kRENaf
Odd molded padding in bottom of case does not fit any mint tins or the MTR3B, but an Altoids Tin, even with connectors on the longer sides, fits well in the case. The molded bottom part could likely be used to store a small key, battery, or smaller earbuds. The least successful fit of the cases purchased, but still useful.

#4: Amazon Basics My Passport Essential Case ($6.71) https://amzn.to/3g3pbwH
Excellent fit for the MTR3B, a small iambic paddle, battery, and antenna. Great option for a compact MTR3B case!

#MNHR

Each year, our SAR team, San Diego Mountain Rescue, completes “Mountain Climb” trainings where we work on our teamwork and summer mountaineering skills. This year, a permit spot opened up on a trip for Middle Palisade (14,012′), one of California’s 14ers. Here’s the video trip report.

My pack for this trip was a 17L, 15 lb load – one of the lightest packs I’ve carried for a 2 night trip. Here’s the inventory.

Pack Inventory – Big 4:
– CAMP Skin Pack – https://skimo.co/camp-skin-pack
– Marmot Alpinist Bivy – (Discontinued. Check out OR Helium Bivy instead https://www.rei.com/product/151751/outdoor-research-helium-bivy)
– Mountain Hardwear Mountain Speed 32 – (Discontinued)
– Reflectix Pad – https://amzn.to/3fbCsmn

Kitchen/ Water:
– Sawyer Squeeze Filter – https://amzn.to/3jWv3er
– Alcohol Stove – https://youtu.be/wTp5zTOYPHQ
– Orikaso Cup – (Discontinued)
– Ursack – https://ursack.com

Electronics:
– GoPro Hero 7 Black – https://amzn.to/3jOrjvr
– GoPro Polarizing Filter – https://amzn.to/3hPjPGz
– Canon M6 – (Discontinued. Check out the M6 Mk 2 or M50)
– USB Battery Pack – https://amzn.to/2XcsT0q
– Mountain Topper MTR3B – https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/MTR3b_LCD-Mountain-Topper-p115660359
– Wouxun KG-UV9D – https://amzn.to/314KrN9

Clothing/Accessories:
– Mountain Hardwear Rain Shell
– Mountain Hardwear Pullover Jacket
– OR low gaiters
– Buff
– Headsweats Running Hat
– Beanie
– Gloves
– OR Mosquito Head Net
– BD Distance Trekking Poles – https://amzn.to/2XagN81

HF 80-10m, SSB, CW, and some Digital modes, in a sub 2lb kit? Yup…

The Elecraft KX2 is an incredibly capable rig with an internal battery, built-in ATU, and excellent power efficiency in a very small package. Combine that with a custom ultralight antenna, mini key and microphone, and a compact case, and you’ve got one of the smallest go kits you’ll ever find.

The KX2 does PSK and RTTY intrinsically, but if WSJT modes are a priority for you, add a Raspberry Pi. Check out KM4ACK’s channel for more info on Pi builds for ham radio. https://www.youtube.com/user/jasonoleham

Kit elements:
Case – Kelty Cache Box (small): https://amzn.to/3hn1OPT
* Note – some stretching may be required for an easy fit.
Antenna – K6ARK Ultimate 9:1 End Fed Random Wire: https://youtu.be/kSQzUETRMlk
Mini Mic – Modified from one of these: https://amzn.to/2DQIYSv
* Build video coming soon.
Mini Key – Homebrew, but there are some nice commercial options…
– AME Ultra Portapaddle: http://americanmorse.com/ultraportapaddle.htm
– Know of another, perhaps 3D printed option? Share in the comments!

Got a suggestion or have a smaller kit? Tell us about it in the comments below.