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Reviews For: QRPworks SideKar for Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, K3S, and others

Category: QRP Accessories

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Review Summary For : QRPworks SideKar for Elecraft KX2, KX3, K3, K3S, and others
Reviews: 12MSRP: 259.00
Description:
• Mounts on the side of the KX3, the top of the KX2 , or sits on a desk with
supplied brackets
• View decoded text in CW, RTTY, & PSK modes
• Send CW, RTTY or PSK using the keyboard or paddle
• Built-in logger for 1,000 QSOs with ADIF export
• Uses USB keyboard (wireless/wired) or paddle for data entry functions
• Send, create & edit 20 messages/macros
• Sunlight readable
• Only 5.6 oz (159g) and attaches to the KX2 or KX3 in seconds
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.qrpworks.com/sidekar.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00125
W7BV Rating: 2016-09-21
Excellant KX2 and KX3 Accessory Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used the SideKar with my KX3 since last October and with my KX2 since July. It is an excellent, compact CW, PSK, and RTTY reader as well as sending stored messages using either the radio's keyer or a USB keyboard, and logs the qso time, date, frequency and exchange. The SideKar attaches to the side of the KX3 or on top of the KX2 with supplied brackets. It is powered by an external 9v battery or jointly with an external power source for the radios. The owners, Shel and Steve, both provide excellent service and respond rapidly to inquiries and orders.
N4MMI Rating: 2016-09-20
AWESOME keyboard interface, display, & logger for my KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It's not often that a product comes along that so exceeds my expectations that I'm blown away. The QRPworks SideKar is that product! I first learned about the device when I purchased a case online to carry my KX3 on SOTA expeditions from one of the QRPworks owners, Shel, KF0UR. He mentioned I might want to look into a new accessory made for Elecraft radios that he and an associate had developed. It is much like their Ham Central Terminal, but more compact, lighter, and mounts directly to a KX2 or KX3. As a Colorado ham, Shel knows from experience how important light and compact are for a SOTA operator.

I gave it a look online. $259 for a device that allows me to run RTTY and PSK (and CW) from 14,000 feet without carrying a computer, and yet able to send with a wireless or USB keyboard, log at the same time, and read 40 characters instead of my KX3's 8! Awesome! I was a little skeptical, but after dealing with Shel on the KX3 case, I trusted the guy. I am glad I did!

I guess I'm "that guy" because I hate to read instructions out of the gate. When the SideKar showed up, I installed the single screw that was required, plugged the unit in to the KX3 and to a 13.8 volt power supply, plugged in the wireless 2.4 GHz keyboard dongle, and went to town. Didn't read the instructions. This thing is seriously plug and play! Within 2 minutes I was reading QSOs on the display in CW and PSK on 20 meters. In a few more minutes, I made my first CW contact by keyboard (I'm working on code, but not there yet). This is an amazing little device and it's so light and small, I won't notice it a bit carrying it up over 14k in Colorado next summer. It even comes with a shorter cord to connect it to the rig so you don't have the long factory cord in the way!

I really love this little gem. Give it a look. It might be just the ticket for expanding your operating opportunities when running portable with a KX2 or KX3. And by the way, it looks like a factory accessory from Elecraft. It fits perfectly with my Side KX plates and Cooler KX Plus heat sink too! It also goes on and off easily so my KX3 still fits in it's Pelican without the unit attached.

73,

/David, N4MMI