Re: [Elecraft] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
As you indicate you're a CW man, I'd opt for at least the 400 Hz 8-pole filter, and if the budget can stretch a little bit, go for the 250 Hz also. If you build it yourself, that makes the cost of the filters a lot less. Either way, it's a GREAT rig, and the difference between it and your (soon to be) backup rig will blow your sox off. 73, Mike NF4L K6LE wrote: I have been on and off of this reflector several times over the past couple of years and have decided to put in an order for the K3. Other than the fact that is is a terrific radio that will indulge my love of playing with tech devices I am also very impressed with the sense of community and with the participation by the owners and designers on the reflector. Also, I paid them a visit in Aptos a year or so ago and was very impressed with the reception and by the commitment and dedication of the members of the team. On short notice they made every effort to make me feel welcome and to allow me to play with a K3 with the assistance of a tech. Tomorrow I am going to order one and decided that while I will scrimp a bit for now I want the items that will help set the K3 apart from my current transceiver. I would like to ask the group's suggestions on my order. But first, a little background to help those that want to jump in to guide me. I have been licensed since '58 but have never been a big gun. I enjoy working what DX I can and casual contesting. Not a rag chewer and in fact don't use SSB that much. My current location dictates not much more than a vertical and a 102' ladder line fed doublet at 35 feet. I enjoy digital modes and RTTY contesting. I probably wind up on CW for most of my DX chasing. I would like to trick out the K3 as much as economically feasible for my operating. Over the years I think I have wound up taking out my frustrations of not having big antennas by buying as good of a transceiver as I could mainly because I like to play with different modes and the latest technology. Here is the order I am playing with tonight in preparation for ordering it tomorrow: K3/100 Kit KAT 3 I don't use an amp and if the ATU as good as expected I will sell my LDG. Also I want the 2nd Antenna input KRX3 Having the second Rcvr is one of the big differentiators from my current Xcvr. KBPF3 Hardly ever use general coverage but would like to have it on the Sub. KXV3A Would like to have the Rx Ant and I assume the IF out will be needed for the P3 - also may want to do some Xverters later KFL3A-400 x2 Suggestions? TIA, Rick K6LE __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
Sent in my order this morning. With the help of all the terrific responses here on the reflector and in PM's I was able to tweak a couple of things. One, I decided to forego the general coverage option for now when I was reminded that for it to very useful at least one other $125 filter (AM or FM) should be included. Perhaps later after I have decided to install the FM filter. Also, I had forgotten to order the matched 2.7's, so I added that. When I saw all the responses I had my feelings about the Elecraft community re-affirmed. Thanks all! Now I have to go find an anti-static mat. Rick K6LE __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
I ordered mine from Radio Shack, Anti-Static Service Kit , #276-2370. AFAICR it was around $20.00, and came in just a couple of days. It includes the wrist strap. 73, Mike NF4L Rick Prather wrote: Sent in my order this morning. With the help of all the terrific responses here on the reflector and in PM's I was able to tweak a couple of things. One, I decided to forego the general coverage option for now when I was reminded that for it to very useful at least one other $125 filter (AM or FM) should be included. Perhaps later after I have decided to install the FM filter. Also, I had forgotten to order the matched 2.7's, so I added that. When I saw all the responses I had my feelings about the Elecraft community re-affirmed. Thanks all! Now I have to go find an anti-static mat. Rick K6LE __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
Thanks, I'll do that today. Rick On 12/3/2009, at 9:40 , Mike wrote: I ordered mine from Radio Shack, Anti-Static Service Kit , #276-2370. AFAICR it was around $20.00, and came in just a couple of days. It includes the wrist strap. 73, Mike NF4L __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
I have been on and off of this reflector several times over the past couple of years and have decided to put in an order for the K3. Other than the fact that is is a terrific radio that will indulge my love of playing with tech devices I am also very impressed with the sense of community and with the participation by the owners and designers on the reflector. Also, I paid them a visit in Aptos a year or so ago and was very impressed with the reception and by the commitment and dedication of the members of the team. On short notice they made every effort to make me feel welcome and to allow me to play with a K3 with the assistance of a tech. Tomorrow I am going to order one and decided that while I will scrimp a bit for now I want the items that will help set the K3 apart from my current transceiver. I would like to ask the group's suggestions on my order. But first, a little background to help those that want to jump in to guide me. I have been licensed since '58 but have never been a big gun. I enjoy working what DX I can and casual contesting. Not a rag chewer and in fact don't use SSB that much. My current location dictates not much more than a vertical and a 102' ladder line fed doublet at 35 feet. I enjoy digital modes and RTTY contesting. I probably wind up on CW for most of my DX chasing. I would like to trick out the K3 as much as economically feasible for my operating. Over the years I think I have wound up taking out my frustrations of not having big antennas by buying as good of a transceiver as I could mainly because I like to play with different modes and the latest technology. Here is the order I am playing with tonight in preparation for ordering it tomorrow: K3/100 Kit KAT 3 I don't use an amp and if the ATU as good as expected I will sell my LDG. Also I want the 2nd Antenna input KRX3Having the second Rcvr is one of the big differentiators from my current Xcvr. KBPF3 Hardly ever use general coverage but would like to have it on the Sub. KXV3A Would like to have the Rx Ant and I assume the IF out will be needed for the P3 - also may want to do some Xverters later KFL3A-400 x2 Suggestions? TIA, Rick K6LE __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
This is identical to the configuration I have. With this option set, you'll have everything you need for truly exceptional performance, especially on CW and the digital modes. You can always add more filters later on. I'd recommend you install the KBPF3 in the Main receiver rather than in the Sub -- it's far easier to make use of the many QRM-fighting features available in the Main receiver channel for general listening. 73... Randy, W8FN I have been on and off of this reflector several times over the past couple of years and have decided to put in an order for the K3. Other than the fact that is is a terrific radio that will indulge my love of playing with tech devices I am also very impressed with the sense of community and with the participation by the owners and designers on the reflector. Also, I paid them a visit in Aptos a year or so ago and was very impressed with the reception and by the commitment and dedication of the members of the team. On short notice they made every effort to make me feel welcome and to allow me to play with a K3 with the assistance of a tech. Tomorrow I am going to order one and decided that while I will scrimp a bit for now I want the items that will help set the K3 apart from my current transceiver. I would like to ask the group's suggestions on my order. But first, a little background to help those that want to jump in to guide me. I have been licensed since '58 but have never been a big gun. I enjoy working what DX I can and casual contesting. Not a rag chewer and in fact don't use SSB that much. My current location dictates not much more than a vertical and a 102' ladder line fed doublet at 35 feet. I enjoy digital modes and RTTY contesting. I probably wind up on CW for most of my DX chasing. I would like to trick out the K3 as much as economically feasible for my operating. Over the years I think I have wound up taking out my frustrations of not having big antennas by buying as good of a transceiver as I could mainly because I like to play with different modes and the latest technology. Here is the order I am playing with tonight in preparation for ordering it tomorrow: K3/100 Kit KAT 3 I don't use an amp and if the ATU as good as expected I will sell my LDG. Also I want the 2nd Antenna input KRX3Having the second Rcvr is one of the big differentiators from my current Xcvr. KBPF3 Hardly ever use general coverage but would like to have it on the Sub. KXV3A Would like to have the Rx Ant and I assume the IF out will be needed for the P3 - also may want to do some Xverters later KFL3A-400 x2 Suggestions? TIA, Rick K6LE __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
Hi Rick ... You will love the K3, and I think you are right on target with your selection of the ATU, KBPF3 and KXV3A. I also enjoy some contesting and DX chasing on CW and have a no antennas restriction, so strictly low profile stealth wires. I consider the KXV3A a Must due to the RX antenna input. I use a stealth K9AY with this input which makes world of difference for ham band receiving as well as MW and shortwave. I don't yet have the KRX3 and am glad I set the priorities I did. Given the choice of one or the other, I'd much rather have the Rx antenna along with the two antenna selection with the ATU. The KBPF3 is a good bang for the minimal buck it costs and will give you general coverage and allow you to use your K3 as a calibrated tuned RF voltmeter over a wide frequency range for test purposes. I will someday get the KRX3, but you indicated that you want to keep the cost reasonable for the time being. And the KRX3 is relatively costly, especially when you consider filters for it, which you didn't mention. Adding the KRX3 with a reasonable selection of roofing filters for the sub can easily add $1K to the cost of your purchase. Instead, I'd recommend getting at least two additional roofing filters now for the main RX, given that your main interests are CW and digital. I have the 15K, 1K, 500 Hz and 200 Hz in addition to the stock 2.7 K and am quite pleased. My migration plan is to first get the P3 next year and then later on the KRX3. Given your situation, you may want to consider something similar. Have fun! 73 ... Craig AC0DS __ 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] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions?
Rick: Looks to me like you're making good choices. If you're planning on ever using diversity, you may wish to match the 2.7 kHz 5-pole filters in main and sub, or, for a little more than the matching cost, start with 2.8 kHz 8-pole filters in main and sub. The time to decide on a 2.7 vs 2.8 kHz filter is at the time of the initial order. The stock K3 and KRX3 come with a 2.7 kHz 5-pole filter. If you want to change to 2.8 kHz filter at the time of initial order, the cost is less than doing it later. I chose the pair of 2.8 kHz filters, YMMV. The KXV3A gives you IF output for a panadapter (the P3 and others, for example, N8LP's LP-PAN and RfSpace SDR-IQ), an Rx antenna input and transverter in and out connectors. You can get that on day one, or you can upgrade it later. The next thing on list (if this were mine...) would be a 1.8 kHz filter on the main receiver. This can help when you get into that nasty SSB pileup or find there's someone right next to the guy you want to work. You don't need the same filter inventory in main and sub receivers. Some people prefer it, but it isn't a hard requirement. This is all very subjective. Ask 5 people and you'll get 8 opinions. I do strongly recommend building it from a kit unless you're really time-constrained. It's not hard to assemble, takes maybe 10 hours, and no special tools except an ESD mat from the local Radio Shack and a DVM. Investments in improving your antenna situation will pay off even more. Any chance of getting a small beam up? Maybe one of those newfangled Hex beams on a 30 or 40 foot telescoping mast? It's a great community, Rick. Sorta the way it ought to be... Welcome aboard! 73 de Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K6LE Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 6:29 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Going to pull the trigger - Suggestions? I have been on and off of this reflector several times over the past couple of years and have decided to put in an order for the K3. Other than the fact that is is a terrific radio that will indulge my love of playing with tech devices I am also very impressed with the sense of community and with the participation by the owners and designers on the reflector. Also, I paid them a visit in Aptos a year or so ago and was very impressed with the reception and by the commitment and dedication of the members of the team. On short notice they made every effort to make me feel welcome and to allow me to play with a K3 with the assistance of a tech. Tomorrow I am going to order one and decided that while I will scrimp a bit for now I want the items that will help set the K3 apart from my current transceiver. I would like to ask the group's suggestions on my order. But first, a little background to help those that want to jump in to guide me. I have been licensed since '58 but have never been a big gun. I enjoy working what DX I can and casual contesting. Not a rag chewer and in fact don't use SSB that much. My current location dictates not much more than a vertical and a 102' ladder line fed doublet at 35 feet. I enjoy digital modes and RTTY contesting. I probably wind up on CW for most of my DX chasing. I would like to trick out the K3 as much as economically feasible for my operating. Over the years I think I have wound up taking out my frustrations of not having big antennas by buying as good of a transceiver as I could mainly because I like to play with different modes and the latest technology. Here is the order I am playing with tonight in preparation for ordering it tomorrow: K3/100 Kit KAT 3 I don't use an amp and if the ATU as good as expected I will sell my LDG. Also I want the 2nd Antenna input KRX3Having the second Rcvr is one of the big differentiators from my current Xcvr. KBPF3 Hardly ever use general coverage but would like to have it on the Sub. KXV3A Would like to have the Rx Ant and I assume the IF out will be needed for the P3 - also may want to do some Xverters later KFL3A-400 x2 Suggestions? TIA, Rick K6LE __ 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
