Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Mike VE3YF]

Bill:

I just finished installing the new boards in both my K3's. I did one 
radio complete and then did a quick test on 80m and 20m with both 
radios. I found the new boards quiets the receiver
down somewhat and makes it easier to pull out the weaker signals. I 
have pretty quiet conditions at my QTH, all utilities are underground.


My simple test was comparing Rig A (New KSYN3A boards installed) to 
Rig B (Old KSYN3 boards installed). I have not done any real tests to 
further evaluate the new boards, but in my

case they have helped somewhat


Maybe the new boards do really help, or perhaps it was me sub 
consciously wanting to believe that to justify the cost.



73 De Mike
VE3YF

http://www.ve3yf.com
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Bill]

Thank you for all the answers - here and email. I appreciate the 
candidness.


Unfortunately, for Elecraft, I have decided to keep my K3 as it is. In 
my instance, I don't see enough potential improvement to justify the 
expense and labor (considerable to get the rig to the bench and back). I 
think it is really difficult to enhance the K3's already incredible 
operation.


But, as I said, this is in my instance (use and QTH).

Bill W2BLC K-Line

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Brian Hemmis]

That’s kind of what I’ve been thinking too, Bill. With my often high noise 
level suburban location combined with modest wire and vertical antennas I think 
it would be overkill and not worth the investment. As it is I often joke that 
the K3 for me like driving a McLaren to the grocery store-way more than I need. 
That said I’m not parting with it ! Thanks Elecraft for at least giving us the 
upgrade option.
73, Brian K3USC (since 1962)
> On Sep 6, 2015, at 9:16 AM, Bill  wrote:
> 
> Thank you for all the answers - here and email. I appreciate the candidness.
> 
> Unfortunately, for Elecraft, I have decided to keep my K3 as it is. In my 
> instance, I don't see enough potential improvement to justify the expense and 
> labor (considerable to get the rig to the bench and back). I think it is 
> really difficult to enhance the K3's already incredible operation.
> 
> But, as I said, this is in my instance (use and QTH).
> 
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[d...@lightstream.net]

George,

Just to confirm -- you are referring to the Noise Reduction function that
is evoked by pressing the "NR" button; correct?

If so, why should it be ANY different at all from that of the K3, given
the same firmware revision level, in which case I would assume the exact
same algorithm is in place for both radios?

73,
Dale
WA8SRA



> I have 2K3s and the new K3S.  The noise reduction function much better on
> K3S
> 73dsGeorge, WGF
>
>


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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

That’s interesting.  The K3 and K3S use the same DSP algorithm (same firmware) 
to accomplish NR.  In what way do you perceive it being different?  Are the 
settings (AGC threshold, etc) the same on the all of the radios?

Grant NQ5T


> On Sep 6, 2015, at 11:28 AM, george fritkin via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I have 2K3s and the new K3S.  The noise reduction function much better on K3S
> 73dsGeorge, WGF 
> 
> 
> On Sunday, September 6, 2015 8:35 AM, Jim Rogers  
> wrote:
> 
> 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Jim Rogers]

I have my "old K3" on QTH.com, priced at what it would take to get it. 
Meanwhile it is still on my operating desk and if no one wants it, then 
it will stay right here, hooked up and ready to roll. Who knows I might 
try satellite again and a second K3 so I can run full duplex with my K3s 
works for me. I do see some advantages to the K3s as it is a bit quieter 
and I love the new audio and having the dual preamps is a plus as I work 
a lot on meteor scatter.


73 Jim, W4ATK

On 9/6/2015 8:16 AM, Bill wrote:
Thank you for all the answers - here and email. I appreciate the 
candidness.


Unfortunately, for Elecraft, I have decided to keep my K3 as it is. In 
my instance, I don't see enough potential improvement to justify the 
expense and labor (considerable to get the rig to the bench and back). 
I think it is really difficult to enhance the K3's already incredible 
operation.


But, as I said, this is in my instance (use and QTH).

Bill W2BLC K-Line

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.



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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[george fritkin via Elecraft]

I have 2K3s and the new K3S.  The noise reduction function much better on K3S
73dsGeorge, WGF 


 On Sunday, September 6, 2015 8:35 AM, Jim Rogers  
wrote:
   

 I have my "old K3" on QTH.com, priced at what it would take to get it. 
Meanwhile it is still on my operating desk and if no one wants it, then 
it will stay right here, hooked up and ready to roll. Who knows I might 
try satellite again and a second K3 so I can run full duplex with my K3s 
works for me. I do see some advantages to the K3s as it is a bit quieter 
and I love the new audio and having the dual preamps is a plus as I work 
a lot on meteor scatter.

73 Jim, W4ATK

On 9/6/2015 8:16 AM, Bill wrote:
> Thank you for all the answers - here and email. I appreciate the 
> candidness.
>
> Unfortunately, for Elecraft, I have decided to keep my K3 as it is. In 
> my instance, I don't see enough potential improvement to justify the 
> expense and labor (considerable to get the rig to the bench and back). 
> I think it is really difficult to enhance the K3's already incredible 
> operation.
>
> But, as I said, this is in my instance (use and QTH).
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>
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> .
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[george fritkin via Elecraft]

I have two K3s and now a new K3S.  I not sure the sync card makes much 
difference, but the noise reduction is now outstanding.
George, W6GF
PS: A great radio was made greater 


 On Saturday, September 5, 2015 9:39 AM, Phil Wheeler  
wrote:
   

 Bob,

I noticed an improvement right away just by tuning 
20 CW during a very active contest weekend. My 
ability to pull out weak signals was much enhanced.

But I do agree completely with you for Bill's 
purposes "I don't contest or DX - just rag chew on 
160/75/40... ".

73, Phil W7OX

On 9/5/15 7:54 AM, Chortek Bob via Elecraft wrote:
> Bill,
> I upgraded the synth and have not noticed any difference whatsoever.  That is 
> not to say there is none, only that I could not tell any difference since I 
> could not do any A/B comparisons. I am very skeptical of those who claim to 
> have noticed a difference without having done an actual A/B comparisons.  Far 
> too many factors at play.
> The K3 is a truly exceptional performer.  For your uses, you would not notice 
> any difference either, IMHO.
> 73,
> Bob/AA6VB
>
>
>
> On 9/5/2015 6:03 AM, Bill wrote:
>> My K3 is from early 2012 - ser: 62xx. I don't contest or DX - just rag chew 
>> on
>> 160/75/40 - makes a super 500 Watt station. Rarely do I touch any controls
>> other than the VFO or band switch. My QTH is very low noise - typical local
>> daytime noise level barely registers on the P3 (think S-0). Yeah, I know I, I
>> could be using something that cost far less. I enjoy the Rolls Royce!
>>
>> Now that there are a fair number of K3S rigs and modified K3 rigs in  the
>> field - there should be something for me to learn from the users.
>>
>> Considering my use of the K3 and my QTH - what would I gain by installing the
>> new synth  (KSYN3A) in the existing K3? I am looking for real-world 75 meter
>> LSB experience. Wife says go for the K3S if I want to, but I think it is
>> overkill for what I do. Yankee cheap I guess.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Wes (N7WS)]

Why fight with success?  IMHO, you'd never know the difference.

Wes N7WS
K3 S/N 2058
K3S S/N 10020

On 9/5/2015 6:03 AM, Bill wrote:
My K3 is from early 2012 - ser: 62xx. I don't contest or DX - just rag chew on 
160/75/40 - makes a super 500 Watt station. Rarely do I touch any controls 
other than the VFO or band switch. My QTH is very low noise - typical local 
daytime noise level barely registers on the P3 (think S-0). Yeah, I know I, I 
could be using something that cost far less. I enjoy the Rolls Royce!


Now that there are a fair number of K3S rigs and modified K3 rigs in  the 
field - there should be something for me to learn from the users.


Considering my use of the K3 and my QTH - what would I gain by installing the 
new synth  (KSYN3A) in the existing K3? I am looking for real-world 75 meter 
LSB experience. Wife says go for the K3S if I want to, but I think it is 
overkill for what I do. Yankee cheap I guess.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Phil Wheeler]

Bob,

I noticed an improvement right away just by tuning 
20 CW during a very active contest weekend. My 
ability to pull out weak signals was much enhanced.


But I do agree completely with you for Bill's 
purposes "I don't contest or DX - just rag chew on 
160/75/40... ".


73, Phil W7OX

On 9/5/15 7:54 AM, Chortek Bob via Elecraft wrote:

Bill,
I upgraded the synth and have not noticed any difference whatsoever.  That is 
not to say there is none, only that I could not tell any difference since I 
could not do any A/B comparisons. I am very skeptical of those who claim to 
have noticed a difference without having done an actual A/B comparisons.  Far 
too many factors at play.
The K3 is a truly exceptional performer.  For your uses, you would not notice 
any difference either, IMHO.
73,
Bob/AA6VB



On 9/5/2015 6:03 AM, Bill wrote:

My K3 is from early 2012 - ser: 62xx. I don't contest or DX - just rag chew on
160/75/40 - makes a super 500 Watt station. Rarely do I touch any controls
other than the VFO or band switch. My QTH is very low noise - typical local
daytime noise level barely registers on the P3 (think S-0). Yeah, I know I, I
could be using something that cost far less. I enjoy the Rolls Royce!

Now that there are a fair number of K3S rigs and modified K3 rigs in  the
field - there should be something for me to learn from the users.

Considering my use of the K3 and my QTH - what would I gain by installing the
new synth  (KSYN3A) in the existing K3? I am looking for real-world 75 meter
LSB experience. Wife says go for the K3S if I want to, but I think it is
overkill for what I do. Yankee cheap I guess.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Chortek Bob via Elecraft]

Bill,
I upgraded the synth and have not noticed any difference whatsoever.  That is 
not to say there is none, only that I could not tell any difference since I 
could not do any A/B comparisons. I am very skeptical of those who claim to 
have noticed a difference without having done an actual A/B comparisons.  Far 
too many factors at play.
The K3 is a truly exceptional performer.  For your uses, you would not notice 
any difference either, IMHO.
73,
Bob/AA6VB



On 9/5/2015 6:03 AM, Bill wrote:
> My K3 is from early 2012 - ser: 62xx. I don't contest or DX - just rag chew 
> on 
> 160/75/40 - makes a super 500 Watt station. Rarely do I touch any controls 
> other than the VFO or band switch. My QTH is very low noise - typical local 
> daytime noise level barely registers on the P3 (think S-0). Yeah, I know I, I 
> could be using something that cost far less. I enjoy the Rolls Royce!
>
> Now that there are a fair number of K3S rigs and modified K3 rigs in  the 
> field - there should be something for me to learn from the users.
>
> Considering my use of the K3 and my QTH - what would I gain by installing the 
> new synth  (KSYN3A) in the existing K3? I am looking for real-world 75 meter 
> LSB experience. Wife says go for the K3S if I want to, but I think it is 
> overkill for what I do. Yankee cheap I guess.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Hisashi T Fujinaka]

NK7Z has some A/B comparisons that show some improvement and I thought I
heard the same differences during a contest.

However, I bet you won't see that much difference using LSB on the lower
bands. I am quite jealous of your noise levels.

On Sat, 5 Sep 2015, Phil Wheeler wrote:


Bob,

I noticed an improvement right away just by tuning 20 CW during a very active 
contest weekend. My ability to pull out weak signals was much enhanced.


But I do agree completely with you for Bill's purposes "I don't contest or DX 
- just rag chew on 160/75/40... ".


--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - ht...@twofifty.com
BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee
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[Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[Bill]

My K3 is from early 2012 - ser: 62xx. I don't contest or DX - just rag 
chew on 160/75/40 - makes a super 500 Watt station. Rarely do I touch 
any controls other than the VFO or band switch. My QTH is very low noise 
- typical local daytime noise level barely registers on the P3 (think 
S-0). Yeah, I know I, I could be using something that cost far less. I 
enjoy the Rolls Royce!


Now that there are a fair number of K3S rigs and modified K3 rigs in  
the field - there should be something for me to learn from the users.


Considering my use of the K3 and my QTH - what would I gain by 
installing the new synth  (KSYN3A) in the existing K3? I am looking for 
real-world 75 meter LSB experience. Wife says go for the K3S if I want 
to, but I think it is overkill for what I do. Yankee cheap I guess.


Gotta say, however, the K-Line is s easy to use and is - without a 
doubt - the best rig I have used in 55 years on the air.

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[Elecraft] K3: Any gain with a new synth?

[P.J.Hicks]

I consider myself a casual operator. I get on when I can, avoid the contests, 
rag chew a lot, and have fun. I mostly work SSB with my K3 but am working on 
code speed. I use WIN4K3 as a control program and panadaptor. 
  
These differences are purely subjective and without measurement. All computer 
controls unchanged and K3 controls returned to previous settings. 
  
Before going to the new synth I had a no signal noise floor S meter reading of 
4 or 5, occasionally 6 
The panadaptor background had scattered 'clutter' noise and I could see very 
close adjacent signals but not read them. 
The noise floor 'line' on the display was at about -102 db and 4 to 6 db wide 
peak to peak 
  
After the mod I had a no signal noise floor S-meter reading of 2 to 3 sometimes 
4 
The panadaptor background was much clearer, signals more distinct and close 
together signals were easier to separate and copy  
The noise floor line was at -106 to -108 and the line was thinner by a couple 
db. 
  
Just my observations and YMMV 
  
73, PJH, N7PXY 
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