KX3 Dock

Description

The Elecraft KX3, in my opinion, is the finest portable transceiver ever made. I designed this stand to reduce the footprint of my KX3 when portable (or home) operation includes multiple connections to a computer, sound card, PX3 or KPA-100. Using this stand not only reduces the operating footprint of your setup, but it also reduces setup time and the chance that some critical cable gets left at home.

I include a photo of my KX3 connected to the serial (CAT control) line, a USB sound card, and a GPS receiver, all through a USB switch into a single USB connection to a laptop. There is also room for the KAT-100 interface. I use two-sided tape to attach the usb hab and/or the KAT-100 interface.

The stand holds the KX3 in place using the four knurled screw heads on the radio’s end plates. It’s easy to attach and detach.

The parts are 3d printed in PLA plastic. They are both strong and lightweight, using a honeycomb-like fill pattern. The parts press together and could be permanently glued together using either CA or epoxy, but I have found the friction fit of the assembly pegs to be secure enough.

The stand with KX3 fits easily into the medium Harbor Freight case (Apache 2800), although I use the X-Large Apache 4800, which is large enough for extra batteries, some coax, and either the KPA-100 or a small laptop.

TNX, Glen W6GJB