Re: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

[Harry White]

Gareth,

Why buy either? 

A K3s/10-K is $2049.95. A K3s/100-K is $2599.95 (To be equivalent to the KX3
with the amplifier) and then you need the ATU at $379.95 for a total of
$2979.90. And that is before you add any extra filters, a second receiver,
DVR, etc., etc. 

A KXPA100-K is $749.95 and the tuner is $379.95. Then add the PX3 at $474.95
and you are up to $1604.85. And that is before you buy all the cables and
other goodies.

With either radio you end up with a rat's nest of cables to make them
anywhere near useful. And they both have the antiquated orange display and
way, way too few controls. You need to be a full time ham to remember which
button to tap, which to push, and which to push and hold. The designs are
very old and very outdated, the construction crude. They were designed to be
QRP radios, where less is more (who needs more than ten watts? Ans: Almost
everyone.). They fill that role admirably.

I suggest you go with the future, an IC-7300, for less than $1500, or, if
you can wait until maybe fall, an IC-7610. Dayton is not that far away and
maybe Kenwood or Yaesu will come out with something spectacular, at a
less-than-Elecraft price.

73,

Harry
K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gareth
- M5KVK
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2017 3:55 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

Hi all
I am in the fortunate position of having some money to spend upgrading my
station; however I'm torn between two options.

I have a KX3 which I love and use a lot as a base station and also for SOTA.
Generally, I operate with 5W max but there are occasions where I'd really
like more power: but no more than 100W.

My options at present seem to be:
1) Reserve the KX3 for SOTA and buy a K3S, (but nothing more I only have
enough for a K3S)
2) Add a KXPA100 with ATU (and maybe a PX3) instead.

If this were you with money burning a hole in your pocket, which of these
two options would you go for?

73, Gareth - M5KVK
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Re: [Elecraft] Sherwood's receiver performance table updated

[Harry White]

Wayne,

Yes, you missed one thing, the price. I added all the items up that would
have to be added to a factory build K3s so that it could do everything you
claimed and everything the IC-7300 can do. Without shipping costs the K3s
radio prices out at $5469.65, more than three and a half times the cost of
an IC-7300. And everyone is offering free shipping on the IC-7300. And that
price does not include any additional filters in the K3s.

Just trying to be fair.

73,

Harry
K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne
Burdick
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 7:09 PM
To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sherwood's receiver performance table updated

> Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
>> On Mon,4/25/2016 1:34 PM, lstavenhagen wrote:
>> Wow, looks like Icom finally made a radio with performance close to 
>> the humble K3S and K3 + new synth but also looks like you really 
>> got to pay 'em for finally doing it, at nearly 13 grand for the 7851!
> 
> Don't be so quick to declare either of these products winners -- Rob's RX
measurements are only a small part of what defines the quality of a radio.
ICOM (and Yaesu) have a long history of producing radios with rather wide CW
signals, including all the current products that ARRL has measured.

Hi Jim,

Also, in the "you get what you pay for" category, here are the K3S features
(some optional*) that differ significantly from, or are not available on,
the IC-7300:

Receive

   - *Sub receiver (identical in performance to main), diversity and
independent-band operation
   - Dedicated AF and RF gain controls for both receivers
   - APF (CW audio peaking filter)
   - 8-band RX EQ
   - Full stereo audio with audio effects (AFX) and L/R balance control 
   - User-settable AF limiter for use when AGC is off
   - 7 AGC customization controls

Transmit

   - PIN-diode T/R switching (audible relay on '7300)
   - Extremely fast T/R turnaround (as low as 5 ms in QRQ mode; also applies
to KPA500)
   - Dedicated controls for CW code speed/mic gain, compression/power level
   - 8-band TX EQ

General

   - *Wide-range ATU (> 10:1 at 100 W; > 20:1 at low power) and two antenna
jacks
   - *Internal all-mode 2-meter transverter option
   - Direct transverter band displays (9); integrated with Elecraft
XV-series
   - Built-in PSK and RTTY decode (to display) and encode (via keyer
paddle);
 7300 has only RTTY, I believe
   - Dedicated VFO B and RIT/XIT offset controls (VFO B is 400-count optical
encoder
 with weighted knob)
   - 100 regular memories, plus 4 quick memories per band
   - 10 user-programmable function switches (for menu hot-keys, macros, TX
messages)
   - Direct rotary control functions: K3 11; 7300 6
   - Direct switch functions: K3, 74 (addional 22 on P3*); 7300, 27 
(IC-7300 also has est. 10 full-time touch controls in main display
context)
   - Keypad for direct frequency entry
   - Transflective LCD, easily readable in bright sunlight 
   - Low current drain for portable/DXpedition use (1 amp typical)
   - Works with supply voltage of as low as 10 V
   - Carrying handle included
   - *High-quality/versatile external control panel option (K-Pod)

Connectivity

   - RX antenna in/out and transverter in/out jacks
   - Stereo speaker outputs, front and rear headphones, front and rear mics
   - Analog line in/out in addition to USB (digital + audio)
   - Buffered I.F. output
   - Accessory output for compatibility with existing station equipment,
 including band-data outputs and user-defined logic in/out
   - 12-volt switched output for powering accessories

Spectrum Display*

- dedicated panadapter screen (P3) with significantly larger area
- flexible partitioning of spectrum vs waterfall
- *optional high-resolution, external SVGA display

Any corrections or things I've missed?

Wayne
N6KR








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Re: [Elecraft] FW: K3s question

[Harry White]

Actually, Wayne answered the question on May 14th, the day the K3S was
announced:

Generally it's supposed to be K3S (capital). Please use that in email. 

However, on the radio itself, and in the owner's manual (etc.) we use a
slightly smaller capital S. To be specific, about 85% of a full-height
capital. This just seemed like the right thing to do. Don't get me started
on branding and graphic design

I'm looking forward to seeing a blog post with the official S scaling :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

Just trying to be accurate.

Harry K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rose
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2015 5:02 PM
To: Mike Flowers; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FW: K3s question

The question has already been answered and K3S is now programmed into the
embroidery software.  (:-)

Thanks!

Rose - N7HKW elecraftcov...@gmail.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Bug mode on K3?

[Harry White]

Phil,

The Kenwood TS-990S offers Straight Key, Paddle, or Paddle (Bug Key
Mode). In addition it offers Iambic mode A and Iambic mode B when using the
electronic keyer.

73,
Harry K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil
Wheeler
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 9:41 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Bug mode on K3?

Ian,

The K14 and its kin are devices specializing in being keyers; and that's all
they were intended to do. Expecting the K3 to have the keying capabilities
of one of the specialized K1EL products seems a bit much.

A better 'industry-wide benchmark' might be to compare the K3 with other
high-end ham transceivers with regard to the keying modes they provide.

Phil W7OX

On 12/10/14 12:44 AM, Ian White wrote:
 Ed - KL7UW wrote:
 The K14 offers six keying modes:
 1- Iambic-A
 2- Iambic-B
 3- Ultimatic
 4- straight key
 5- Dit priority
 6- Dash priority

 And others have also identified:
 7- Mechanical bug
 8-  CMOS Superkeyer (Logikeyer)

 That list would be a reasonable 'industry-wide benchmark' for the 
 keying/timing modes that a premium CW transceiver like the K3 should 
 offer as built-in options.

 Each one of those keying modes has a significant real-world following.
 Translation: there are significant numbers of K3 users who NEED that 
 specific timing mode in order to operate close to their personal top 
 speed.

 What K3 users *don't* need is to be told to use an external keyer, an 
 adapter or some other workaround. We already know the workarounds 
 because - even after 7 years - the K3 still needs them.


 73 from Ian GM3SEK

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Re: [Elecraft] K7WTG Dayton

[Harry White]

Howard,

That sure seems like a massively unfair policy. There are many, many of us
who simply cannot afford to go to Dayton but would appreciate a discount
during the once-a-year  hamfest. 

So if you have money and can afford to go to Dayton, you get a cheaper price
for Elecraft products.

Wow.

Harry
K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Howard Stephenson
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 12:57 PM
To: k7...@arrl.net
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K7WTG Dayton

Pete,
We'll be happy to take any order from you.
We just can't give you the Dayton Special unless you are there.

-- 
--
73,  Howard Stephenson  K6IA
Elecraft Customer Support
(831) 763-4211 EXT 169
--

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[Elecraft] KX3 S/N 0557 For Sale

[Harry White]

KX3 S/N 0557 for sale. Includes:

 

MH3 Hand Mic

KX3-PCKT Cable Kit

KXFL3 Roofing Filter

KXAT3 Automatic Antenna Tuner

KXPD3 Keyer Paddle

KXPD3 Keyer Paddle Upgrade Kit, not installed

KXBC3 Internal Charger

BNC-RA Right Angle Adapter

 

The KXUSB and power cables are included with the KX3. The power cable has
Power Pole connectors installed.

 

Also included are eight Eneloop batteries.

 

Very little use (reason for selling) and kept inside and in pristine
condition. Non-smoking home.

 

Current list, excluding the batteries, is $1476.60. Will sell for $1325.00
plus shipping. US Postal money order only unless you want to add three
percent to a PayPal payment.

 

Please reply off-list.

 

Harry

K1RSA

Scarborough, ME

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Re: [Elecraft] Unhappy With Your KX3?

[Harry White]

Hi Kevin,

Actually, I think this list is very appropriate for your question. I think
far too many people are looking at the KX3 through rose colored glasses, to
use a tired old phrase. I received KX3 kit, serial number 557, on June 29th,
by coincidence my seventieth birthday. The parts list and the actual
inventory did not match but the kit went together anyway. There seemed to be
many hardware errors that were miraculously made up by a package of extra
hardware. And there was quite a bit of left over hardware. Odd

I found the assembling of the two halves to be quite vexing. The speaker and
battery wires caused major problems as they kept getting into the way. It
seems they will always be an issue. In addition, the legs, dangling as they
do, hold the case fasteners at an odd angle and exacerbate an already vexing
problem. Clearly the legs could use a better mechanical design, independent
of the case fasteners. Once assembled the KX3 powered up with no issues but
I was stunned by the poor audio. The distortion was unacceptable at any
level above a low, unlistenable volume. I thought it might be the speaker so
I attached external, powered speakers and got the same result. I have read
on this list that one should just use earbuds or headphones. As one who uses
two hearing aids, earbuds are unacceptable and I don't think I should be
forced to use headphones in a very quiet radio room. The speaker has to
work! And now I find I need to install the grille cloth because of bad
directions. Someone also suggested grinding or filing away portions of the
case around the speaker. I'm not about to do something so drastic on a piece
of electronic gear!

The result of all that was I have set the radio aside and consider it
useless in its present form. I have read of firmware revisions but they seem
unacceptable at this point. Revision 1.10 was noted just today as causing a
fatal flaw in certain KX3's and the advice was to wait for revision 1.12
which will not be out for a while. Duh. In reading the various emails it
seems that for every step Elecraft takes ahead in firmware, they take almost
a step back in issues the new revision creates. In addition, there are still
things not implemented. I wonder how the editors of QST would feel if they
knew Elecraft advertisements in their magazine were claiming features that
were not available yet? I can't recall Yaesu, Kenwood, or Icom ever doing
that.

Here in Maine the KX3 would be classified as a blivet, two pounds of
you-know-what in a one pound bag. If it had been made just a quarter or half
inch longer, taller, or deeper it would be a far better radio. Perhaps
Elecraft could offer a back case that is one quarter of an inch deeper as a
retrofit. I'd buy one.

I am not trying to say that the KX3 is not a good radio, it's just not ready
for Prime Time. It will be awesome when it is fully implemented but when
will that be? If I have any advice for Elecraft it would be to sit down and
list all the issues, with all their products, and set firm dates for
resolving them, and then stick to that schedule. Elecraft gives the
impression of having too many balls in the air, all the time, and thus are
being forced to nibble at the issues.

To answer your last question, there is no XYZ radio that I wish I had
bought. Nothing has the capabilities/specifications of the KX3 at the
present time. It's the KX3 or a giant step back to the FT-817ND.

So there you have it Kevin. I own a $1400 paperweight that may someday be
transformed into a great radio. My advice to you is to wait a bit longer to
see how the radio evolves.

73,
Harry White
K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kevin Kleinfelter
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2012 1:11 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Unhappy With Your KX3?

I'm interested in buying the KX3, but it is a lot of money for me; I want to
be sure not to make an expensive mistake.  So I started searching the net
for someone who is unhappy with his/her KX3.  The closest I got was someone
who said he hated his KX3 and was going to send it back -- until Elecraft
contacted him, helped him make a config change, and now he loves it.

So... If you are unhappy with your KX3, please respond with why.  (I'm not
looking for things that could be tweaked to make it better. I'm looking for
Here's why I really wish I had NOT bought my KX3 or Here's why I really
wish I had bought xyz instead.)

If you don't want to post it to the list, please send it to me at
do-not-like-kx3 [at] kleinfelter [dot] com.
TIA
Kevin
KK4KIK
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Re: [Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

[Harry White]

The K3/P3 combination has sold.

Thanks to all for the interest shown.

Harry
K1RSA

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Harry White
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 2:07 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

I forgot to mention my call:

K1RSA

Harry

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Harry White
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 12:41 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

For sale:

 

K3-100  S/N 3933 January, 2010 build with:

KAT3 ATU

KBPF3 General coverage RX module

KFL3A-2.8K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-2.1K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-6K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-400 hz. 8 pole filter

KUSB Universal Serial Bus Adapter

KXV3A Rx. Ant, IF out and Xverter interface

MH-2 Microphone

 

Pristine condition, non-smoking environment.

$2500.

 

P3 Panadapter S/N 106

 

Ditto condition

$600

 

Buy the pair for $3000.

 

Postal Money order or Paypal(add 3%) accepted.(I've never used Paypal so it
would be a learning experience) 

 

Shipped CONUS, insured. I'm in Scarborough, ME if you'd like to visit and
try them out.

 

Reason for selling: Family finances.

 

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[Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

[Harry White]

For sale:

 

K3-100  S/N 3933 January, 2010 build with:

KAT3 ATU

KBPF3 General coverage RX module

KFL3A-2.8K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-2.1K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-6K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-400 hz. 8 pole filter

KUSB Universal Serial Bus Adapter

KXV3A Rx. Ant, IF out and Xverter interface

MH-2 Microphone

 

Pristine condition, non-smoking environment.

$2500.

 

P3 Panadapter S/N 106

 

Ditto condition

$600

 

Buy the pair for $3000.

 

Postal Money order or Paypal(add 3%) accepted.(I've never used Paypal so it
would be a learning experience) 

 

Shipped CONUS, insured. I'm in Scarborough, ME if you'd like to visit and
try them out.

 

Reason for selling: Family finances.

 

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Re: [Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

[Harry White]

I forgot to mention my call:

K1RSA

Harry

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Harry White
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 12:41 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) FOR SALE

For sale:

 

K3-100  S/N 3933 January, 2010 build with:

KAT3 ATU

KBPF3 General coverage RX module

KFL3A-2.8K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-2.1K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-6K 8 pole filter

KFL3A-400 hz. 8 pole filter

KUSB Universal Serial Bus Adapter

KXV3A Rx. Ant, IF out and Xverter interface

MH-2 Microphone

 

Pristine condition, non-smoking environment.

$2500.

 

P3 Panadapter S/N 106

 

Ditto condition

$600

 

Buy the pair for $3000.

 

Postal Money order or Paypal(add 3%) accepted.(I've never used Paypal so it
would be a learning experience) 

 

Shipped CONUS, insured. I'm in Scarborough, ME if you'd like to visit and
try them out.

 

Reason for selling: Family finances.

 

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