Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3
Bruce: I agree with all points made in your email. Candidly, when I first got the K3, I did have a bit of a learning curve, but wow, it is now a lot of fun to operate! With anticipated permission of the moderator, regarding AF MARS, I would like to make the following comments since there had been much in the way of program changes over the past 3 years. First, there is a newer MOI and inter-service SOP for voice nets, so all MARS services can interoperate on each other's frequencies and NCS. Second, the mission of MARS has been upgraded to the Military Auxiliary Radio System instead of Military Affiliate Radio System. The major change in focus is the ability to respond to man-made and natural disasters (EEI and ECOM) not just passing military traffic. Third, CW is back. While the US military may have phased out CW as a mode, MARS (all 3 programs)view CW in the realm of a viable mode of communication (under the digital domain), especially in emergency situations, and accordingly, there are now CW nets. Lastly, to conform to FEMA regions, the former region 1 as you knew it has been realigned as have the other AF MARS Regions, and the entire US is now aligned into six area's which manage the new AF MARS FEMA aligned regions. I appreciate and thank you for your comments. I also wish to thank the moderators for their patience regarding my AF MARS posting. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® -Original Message- From: Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:40:18 To: ed.cie...@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 Congratulations on your purchase of the K-3. I have two of them. Both are fully outfitted as well is a K2/100 which I built several years ago. The K-3s are simply outstanding. I just acquired a P3 41 of them and that works extremely well. I also have an FTDX 5000 MP. That is an excellent radio and as you mentioned it does have its strong points. Its main receiver is extremely good. But as you noted its second receiver is not as good. It does not use the roofing filters which are available to the main receiver and, unlike the main receiver its first IF is in the VHF region so that narrow crystal roofing filters would probably not be very effective. As you know, the story is quite different with the K-3. In fact, I am not aware of any other radio offering two receivers with identical, outstanding characteristics. And of course, the company is just outstanding to deal with. Not only are their products cutting edge but they know how to treat and deal with customers. I think that will certainly ensure a long and prosperous future for Elecraft. Incidentally, I was a member of AF Mars for many years but finally resigned about three years ago because of lack of activity on 1S1. Since I was discouraged from operating on nets with other modes, I just saw no reason to continue the activity. Bruce-W8FU and ex AFA1XD ---Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Cienki Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the SprintR Now Network from my
Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3
Don: If you are referring to Tx settings (not Rx settings), please note the my mic is a Marshall MXL R144 Ribbon Mic, which goes into a Behringher Ultragain-Pro MIC-2200 tube pre-amp, then into a Behringher Ultra-Curve DEQ2496 (set up in the manner as suggested by NU9N), from there, I use an NCS multi-switcher to determine what radio is to be tx’d. Currently, the K3 is set to FL2 (6Hz AM Filter), with Tx ESSB turned on (using BW usually between 3.0 to 3.2), Tx Gate at 25, The Tx eq follows: 50hz = +6; 100hz = +2; 200hz = -2; 400hz = -6; 800hz = -2; 1600hz = +0; 2400hz = +3; and 3200hz = +5. I do run compression on the K3 at 19. How this was determined was actually utilizing the NU9N settings for the DEQ-2496 and then relying on a group of hams that I have known for years that have heard my voice on several other radios, over the telephone and in-person to adjust the Eq on the K3. That is how we arrived at those settings. Did I answer your question? Best 73, Ed, N2EAC From: don Swetzig [mailto:gold...@charter.net] Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 1:26 PM To: ed.cie...@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 Please share your RX settings for SSB and your method of determining them Thx Don KD8NNU -- Sent from my Palm Pre _ On Dec 11, 2010 12:42 PM, Ed Cienki ed.cie...@verizon.net wrote: This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Re： Raves about the K3
Hi Johnny: I have read your posts, private emails to me and I certainly respect your opinions. Like I've said below, I love each radio for different reasons. But, I am not looking to nit-pick either radio. I was just stating some of the more pronounced differences that I find favorable with the K3 and why I purchased it over any other radio as a second radio in my shack alongside of my IC-7700. Candidly, I am not interested in cross-posting my comments to the IC-7700 reflector or granting copyright to permit any cross-posting. These are my opinions about 2 very different radio's at 2 very different price points and I am very happy with the functionality of each of them in different settings. In the US the K3 fully outfitted and built by Elecraft is between $2,000 and $2,500 less than the IC-7700. So there is a big price difference. On HF, other than operating on the AF MARS frequencies, I am predominantly a rag-chewer (mainly on 160m very late at night), non-contester/Non-Dx'er (although not my passion, I will chase some rare Dx), conversational CW operator (20m - albeit about 17 wpm). My raves are about the K3 are intended to let the K3 community (and especially Wayne and Eric) know what features are desirable, why they are desirable and to assist and give them some direction from the user community. Best 73, Ed, N2EAC -Original Message- From: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2...@yahoo.com.hk] Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 6:45 PM To: ed.cie...@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re： [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 Hello Ed, I am also using IC7700. Could you please share your comments in the IC7700 yahoo mail reflector group? I don't want to cross post your message in that group without your permission. cheers, Johnny VR2XMC - 郵件原件 寄件人﹕ Ed Cienki ed.cie...@verizon.net 收件人﹕ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期﹕ 2010/12/12 (日) 1:42:55 AM 主題： [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Raves about the K3
This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
