Ideally you would want the KBPF3 option that provides efficient front-end filters for out-of-ham-band listening.
Wayne commented that the K3 can be used for general coverage without the KBPF3, but its sensitivity isn't as good since the correct front-end filters aren't available. I haven't tried it without the KBPF3 so I can't suggest how much worse it would be without the right filters. For AM reception, including BC band reception, the basic SSB filters are fine, especially for voice programming like a ball game. The K3, with its 1 Hz tuning resolution, tuning accuracy and stability, will receive an AM station perfectly, even with music programming, by simplifying dialing it in as a SSB signal. A 6 KHz roofing filter will give you greater fidelity for listening to music IF you receive it in SSB mode! In AM mode the audio bandpass is limited to 3 KHz, just like receiving SSB with a 2.7 kHz roofing filter (remember, an AM signal has two sidebands, so the audio bandwidth is 1/2 the roofing filter bandwidth when receiving in AM mode). In SSB mode you listen to only ONE sideband of the AM signal, so you have the full 6 kHz filter bandwidth for the best audio. I'm listening to some big band stuff from an AM station on mine right now <G> You won't often need the full 6 KHz bandwidth to listen to AM sigs in SSB mode unless you have a very critical 'ear'. Most conventional AM radios today, especially car radios, roll off the audio bandpass at about 3 kHz, just like the K3 using the 6 kHz roofing filter in AM mode. They do that to reduce noise on marginal signals. Consumers have expressed a strong preference for a narrower audio bandwidth and less noise on weak signals. Where the 6 KHz filter become critical is if you want to TRANSMIT in AM mode with the K3. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of AD9P Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:15 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Broadcast Band Since I will be using my K3 while RVing, my wife raised a question. Just what is needed to receive the commercial AM broadcast bands? We have to be able to listen to the Cardinal games this summer. Thanks Al AD9p -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Broadcast-Band-tp15048915p15048915.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
