3
airbag deployment paths, consult your dealer’s technical staff. Airbag locations are marked with a
prominent embossed label.
I mentioned “a projectile”, above. In a vehicle moving at 65 MPH [105 KPH], a two pound KX3 on a
ballistic trajectory can be deadly. Simply put, your KX3 should be securely mounted to a stationary
surface in the vehicle interior. Seems like common sense, right? Common sense isn’t all that common,
unfortunately. There’s more about mounting techniques in a subsequent section of this Guide.
One final safety factor: Electrical Power. Don’t compromise on the quality, security, location, and
especially protection of your DC supply cabling to the KX3. If you have an electrical fire while in motion
because of a poor or temporary installation, it’s too late to complain, “But it’s only temporary!” Man,
oh man ‐ talk about distractions while driving!
Distracted Driving Laws: Amateur Radio has come under some of the same fire that is hitting mobile cell
phone users. It is true that many of the same hazards exist for both practices, but hams are more used
to mobile operations than the general population. For some excellent legal and practical considerations,
see the November, 2012 QST magazine, p 81 and 82. Such laws are a mixed bag. The states of
California, Illinois, Washington, and Hawaii specifically exempt the Amateur population from the most
onerous provisions of their distracted driver laws, however many of the state laws as‐written are
ambiguous, and refer to “communications with electronic devices”. Be aware of the law in your state!
Most of these require the use of “hands‐free” devices.
Wireless hands‐free accessories for mobile two‐way are available, but the market is slim. This may be
due to low consumer demand. The few Bluetooth hands‐free add‐ons for two‐way are marketed for law
enforcement, and are pricey.
Vehicle, passenger, and driver safety is a big topic with a wide range of considerations. Make yourself
aware of the factors in your own mobile installation that could become problems while you’re at the
wheel. Install and operate your KX3 accordingly. If you’re planning a new car/SUV/truck/RV purchase
and also would like a KX3 mobile installation in it, survey the interior, electrical system, cable runs and
raceways, and vehicle construction before signing on the dotted line. You may want to discuss
mounting and cabling arrangements with the dealer’s technical staff beforehand.
Location and Mounting
Ideally, mobile‐mounting your KX3 provides the following benefits:
‐ Accessible and directly visible controls and display with one‐handed operation;
‐ A minimum of cable clutter;
‐ Least possible amount of divided attention while driving – most important!
The good news is that if the KX3 is near enough in front of you, using the controls one‐handed shouldn’t
pose a big challenge, even while driving. Hints are:
‐ Make sure the KX3 is mounted to one side of the steering wheel. This avoids a cross‐handing
problem. It is best if the KX3 front panel controls are within an easy reach, or maybe right at
your fingertips;
‐ It’s a great idea if you get 100% used to the KX3’s controls before ever using the rig while you’re
driving. It’s a case of, “DO try this at home.”
