Re: [Elecraft] Itching for a new rig
Hi Wayne, will in that case... It's Sunday evening and I just ordered the K3.:-) I plan to keep my K2 and it will be interesting to see how they compare. Thanks, Gary, N7HTS On Thu, 1 Dec 2011 10:32:02 -0800 Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com wrote: Gary D Krause wrote: darn it, I have this itch and it won't go away this time! I may have to just buy a K3 and I'll blame [Ed] if it doesn't work out Gary, If you buy a K3, you need to blame *me* if it doesn't work out :) Seriously, let me know if you have any lingering questions. 73, Wayne N6KR __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Sales commission? You get a sales commission? ;-) Ed, I only had a new rig the first few years. That was the first three years. What can I say, I was excited about the hobby (I still am) and I was single. My first was a Kenwood TS-530SP which I still have and use. My second rig was a Ten Tec Century 22 a CW rig which I still have and use. My third rig was a Kenwood TS-440s which I no longer have. In 2007 I bought a Ten Tec Argonaut V. I didn't like the DSP so I sold it after eight months and bought the K2 and put it together. It ended up being a K2/100 but, I switch the tops back and forth depending on how I feel and what I want to work. I really like it and as well as my other rigs but, darn it, I have this itch and it won't go away this time! I may have to just buy a K3 and I'll blame you it it doesn't work out. Okay? ;-) On Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:26:57 -0900 Edward R. Cole kl...@acsalaska.net wrote: Gary, Wow a new rig every year! Lets see: 1957 - new Knight Ocean Hopper $19.95, used Heath DX-35 $35 1966 - used Clegg Interceptor-B, used Johnson Ranger 1967- new Heath SB-110 1976 - new IC-211 1982 - new TS-180S 1996 - new Tentec Scout 1997 - used FT-840 1998 - new FT-847 1999 - new FT-817 2009 - new K3 2012? new KX3 54-years = 8 new radios - one every seven years. Gary, Simply love the K3. You done your research - now just buy the K3. (Wayne - just mail me my sales commission ;-)) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Gary D Krause wrote: darn it, I have this itch and it won't go away this time! I may have to just buy a K3 and I'll blame [Ed] if it doesn't work out Gary, If you buy a K3, you need to blame *me* if it doesn't work out :) Seriously, let me know if you have any lingering questions. 73, Wayne N6KR __ 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] Itching for a new rig
The first few years that I was licensed, I bought a new rig almost every year. In the last ten years I have only bought two HF rigs. I sold the first one because, I didn't really like it and then I bought a K2 #6113 that I built four years ago and it's now my main rig. Lately I've been getting the new rig itch. I've compared all the rigs that I'm interested in. They all have their strengths and weaknesses as far as the type of operating that I do. I've looked at all the specs and downloaded as much info as I can. I've even read some of the manuals as well as reviews. I've watched as many Youtube videos as possible since some of the rigs I have never seen or heard. I've made several visits to HRO. I know that this is an Elecraft reflector and I do own a K2 as will as other Elecraft kits but, you still have to check out the competition, right? ;-) Now, over the last few years, I've been saving my money to buy a new rig. I thought that this would be the year that I treat myself to a nice Christmas present. Other than performance, I'm also considering, sound, ease of use, quality of build, price, service and looks. When I say looks, I don't mean ergonomics. I mean how it looks. I never really thought about looks before until I saw several people mention it in reviews. I suppose that makes me an HF rig fashion snob. So be it. Anyway, I've narrowed my selection down to two or three rigs, one of them being the K3. Now I have overloaded myself with so much information that I'm like a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing which way to go. I keep coming back to my K2 and thinking that I really can't get much better than that. It's a super rig. I just had to post this to help clear my mind so, that I might be able to make a decision...or not. Thanks for listening, Gary, N7HTS __ 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] Itching for a new rig
If you've done the due dillogence you claim then you likely have read the Eham reviews of the K3. There are several interesting comparrisons there. I can only add that it is quite simply the best rig i've ever owned in almost every way. I can't imagine you'd be dissapointed if you went with the K3. 73, Lou WA3MIX Lou kolb Voice-over Artist: Radio/TV Adds, Video narrations Messages On-hold: www.loukolb.com - Original Message - From: Gary D Krause n7...@bresnan.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 3:04 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Itching for a new rig The first few years that I was licensed, I bought a new rig almost every year. In the last ten years I have only bought two HF rigs. I sold the first one because, I didn't really like it and then I bought a K2 #6113 that I built four years ago and it's now my main rig. Lately I've been getting the new rig itch. I've compared all the rigs that I'm interested in. They all have their strengths and weaknesses as far as the type of operating that I do. I've looked at all the specs and downloaded as much info as I can. I've even read some of the manuals as well as reviews. I've watched as many Youtube videos as possible since some of the rigs I have never seen or heard. I've made several visits to HRO. I know that this is an Elecraft reflector and I do own a K2 as will as other Elecraft kits but, you still have to check out the competition, right? ;-) Now, over the last few years, I've been saving my money to buy a new rig. I thought that this would be the year that I treat myself to a nice Christmas present. Other than performance, I'm also considering, sound, ease of use, quality of build, price, service and looks. When I say looks, I don't mean ergonomics. I mean how it looks. I never really thought about looks before until I saw several people mention it in reviews. I suppose that makes me an HF rig fashion snob. So be it. Anyway, I've narrowed my selection down to two or three rigs, one of them being the K3. Now I have overloaded myself with so much information that I'm like a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing which way to go. I keep coming back to my K2 and thinking that I really can't get much better than that. It's a super rig. I just had to post this to help clear my mind so, that I might be able to make a decision...or not. Thanks for listening, Gary, N7HTS __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Gary, Over the years I've owned almost everything. Last two radio's before the K3 was the 756PRO3 and Flex 5000. Loved both of them. 3 1/2 years ago I purchased the K3, loaded, factory assembled. No need to go over the reasons, but I have purchased my last HF radio. I love it so much and it just keeps getting better. It's smarter than I am and I learn from it daily. Now have the P3 and KPA500 and I've very satisfied. With each upgrade it continues to grow. There's no decision to make...K3 all the way. Phil Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc p...@lamarcheenterprises.com www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com 727-944-3226 727-937-8834 Fax 727-510-5038 Cell www.w9dvm.com K3 # 1605 KPA500 # 029 P3 #1480 CCA 98-00827 CRA 1701 W9DVM __ 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] Itching for a new rig
As past owner of Hallicrafters, TenTec, Flex, K2 and (presently) K3, I can say that the K3 is the best durn rig I've had in 65 years of hamming it up. WRT superficial looks, it is fairly typical of the present genre, but neither stylish nor ugly, just functional, functional, functional. The K2 was also functional, and trading it in on an F3K was quite a serious mistake on my part, cured only by acquisition of the K3/100 Ser. No. 4103. John Ragle -- W1ZI = On 11/30/2011 3:04 PM, Gary D Krause wrote: The first few years that I was licensed, I bought a new rig almost every year. In the last ten years I have only bought two HF rigs. I sold the first one because, I didn't really like it and then I bought a K2 #6113 that I built four years ago and it's now my main rig. Lately I've been getting the new rig itch. I've compared all the rigs that I'm interested in. They all have their strengths and weaknesses as far as the type of operating that I do. I've looked at all the specs and downloaded as much info as I can. I've even read some of the manuals as well as reviews. I've watched as many Youtube videos as possible since some of the rigs I have never seen or heard. I've made several visits to HRO. I know that this is an Elecraft reflector and I do own a K2 as will as other Elecraft kits but, you still have to check out the competition, right? ;-) Now, over the last few years, I've been saving my money to buy a new rig. I thought that this would be the year that I treat myself to a nice Christmas present. Other than performance, I'm also considering, sound, ease of use, quality of build, price, service and looks. When I say looks, I don't mean ergonomics. I mean how it looks. I never really thought about looks before until I saw several people mention it in reviews. I suppose that makes me an HF rig fashion snob. So be it. Anyway, I've narrowed my selection down to two or three rigs, one of them being the K3. Now I have overloaded myself with so much information that I'm like a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing which way to go. I keep coming back to my K2 and thinking that I really can't get much better than that. It's a super rig. I just had to post this to help clear my mind so, that I might be able to make a decision...or not. Thanks for listening, Gary, N7HTS __ 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 -- Sent from my lovely old Dell XPS 420 __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Thanks guys. Every once in a while, I make a post like this because, I get itchy. I know that there is at least one ham here that has a K3 but, I can't remember who that is. I'm sure there are more. One of the things that has concerned me is that some have reported that the K3 is hard to listen to after a while because, of high pitched hiss in the background. I'm sure that this can be adjusted with all the audio settings that the K3 has, right? I get the impression that some people don't quite understand how to use the settings correctly, get frustrated and give up. Another reason to hear one for myself. I've also notice that on the videos I have seen that the K2 always seems to be quieter than the K3 or any other rig. I realize that they may not be using the best audio equipment, etc, but, it seems to be consistent with most videos I have seen. Perhaps someone that has both the K3 and the K2 can shed some light on that here? Thanks, Gary __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Gary, Maybe I can help. The high pitched hiss problem has been tackled over 2 years ago with the addition of an audio low pass filter. The reports you are reading do not represent today's K3. That is an unfortunate consequence of Elecraft offering upgraded K3s (and K2s) without releasing a new model number as some other manufacturers are predisposed to do - if you want it fixed, buy the new model. Elecraft does offer the means for owners to upgrade to the latest level, and that is unique in the world of ham radios as far as I know. As for the K2 being more quiet than the K3, I believe that is an illusion. The K3 is more sensitive than the K2, and its antenna input to audio output gain is higher than with the K2. The result is that with all knobs to the right operation, the K3 audio will have a louder level of atmospheric band noise. The solution is to turn off the preamp and add attenuation if that helps. Another thing that will help a lot is the settings for the AGC parameters. I encourage anyone with this problem to go to my website (www.w3fpr.com) and review the Noisy K3 article. The bottom line is that the K3 is highly configurable - the default settings are OK for many purposes, but can be refined for particular situations. The K3 has more than ample gain, and its sensitivity is tops in its league - the roofing filters and DSP filtering will allow you to operate quite close to an adjacent signal on the band and you will not even know he is there - that is the best K3 strong point IMHO. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/30/2011 4:26 PM, Gary D Krause wrote: Thanks guys. Every once in a while, I make a post like this because, I get itchy. I know that there is at least one ham here that has a K3 but, I can't remember who that is. I'm sure there are more. One of the things that has concerned me is that some have reported that the K3 is hard to listen to after a while because, of high pitched hiss in the background. I'm sure that this can be adjusted with all the audio settings that the K3 has, right? I get the impression that some people don't quite understand how to use the settings correctly, get frustrated and give up. Another reason to hear one for myself. I've also notice that on the videos I have seen that the K2 always seems to be quieter than the K3 or any other rig. I realize that they may not be using the best audio equipment, etc, but, it seems to be consistent with most videos I have seen. Perhaps someone that has both the K3 and the K2 can shed some light on that here? Thanks, Gary __ 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] Itching for a new rig
On Wed, Nov 30, 2011 at 3:26 PM, Gary D Krause n7...@bresnan.net wrote: some have reported that the K3 is hard to listen to after a while... = Gary, I have found that the best way to quiet the K3 is not via the audio settings, but by simply backing off the RF gain about 60 - 90 degrees from max. This just about always improves the perceived s/n ratio. When I first got my K3 I was a little frustrated because my beloved but outdated MkV sounded a lot better to my ears, but a simple twist of the RF control put everything right. I have tried A/B with the K3 versus a few other receivers, and it is tops as far as I can tell. I think the only rx in its class is the FTDX5K, but there's probably no discernible performance difference, just a matter of 35 pounds and 2500 bucks. I had a P3, which I liked a lot, and now have LP-Pan plus NaP3 for a bandscope. That combo plus a K3 plus a KPA500 makes for a compact, multi-talented, elegant ham setup. 73, Tony KT0NY -- http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352 __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Gary, This is purely a matter of personal preference. I've used the K3 (with a Heil Pro headset) in 48-hour contests since 2007 and find it a pleasure to use for extended periods. YMMV, but don't assume there is any consensus as to which RXs are easiest to listen to. GL and 73, andy, ae6y p49y -Original Message- From: Tony Estep Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 1:53 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Itching for a new rig On Wed, Nov 30, 2011 at 3:26 PM, Gary D Krause n7...@bresnan.net wrote: some have reported that the K3 is hard to listen to after a while... = Gary, I have found that the best way to quiet the K3 is not via the audio settings, but by simply backing off the RF gain about 60 - 90 degrees from max. This just about always improves the perceived s/n ratio. When I first got my K3 I was a little frustrated because my beloved but outdated MkV sounded a lot better to my ears, but a simple twist of the RF control put everything right. I have tried A/B with the K3 versus a few other receivers, and it is tops as far as I can tell. I think the only rx in its class is the FTDX5K, but there's probably no discernible performance difference, just a matter of 35 pounds and 2500 bucks. I had a P3, which I liked a lot, and now have LP-Pan plus NaP3 for a bandscope. That combo plus a K3 plus a KPA500 makes for a compact, multi-talented, elegant ham setup. 73, Tony KT0NY -- http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352 __ 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] Itching for a new rig
I've owned my K3 since August and have used it for long hours in several recent contests (November Sweeps and CQWW) and it has performed flawlessly. Compared to my other rig, an Icom 746pro, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my operator fatigue was much lower using the K3. Put headphones on, kick in narrow roofing filter and the Audio Effects (AFX) switch, and go to town. The AFX feature gives a quasi-stereo effect that opens up the sound of the band and I like it so much I never turn it off now. I think this is a great feature of the K3; I don't know if any other high end rigs have it. With the 400hz roofing filter in line on CW, the band was quiet and often the only thing I could hear was the other station I was working right on my frequency. Only when I opened up the bandwidth on the receiver was I reminded that the band was loaded with other contesters. Don't get me wrong the 746pro is a good radio and I've owned some other good ones too, but the K3 is my best/favorite so far. Jim, N4KH -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary D Krause Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 3:27 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Itching for a new rig Thanks guys. Every once in a while, I make a post like this because, I get itchy. I know that there is at least one ham here that has a K3 but, I can't remember who that is. I'm sure there are more. One of the things that has concerned me is that some have reported that the K3 is hard to listen to after a while because, of high pitched hiss in the background. I'm sure that this can be adjusted with all the audio settings that the K3 has, right? I get the impression that some people don't quite understand how to use the settings correctly, get frustrated and give up. Another reason to hear one for myself. I've also notice that on the videos I have seen that the K2 always seems to be quieter than the K3 or any other rig. I realize that they may not be using the best audio equipment, etc, but, it seems to be consistent with most videos I have seen. Perhaps someone that has both the K3 and the K2 can shed some light on that here? Thanks, Gary __ 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] Itching for a new rig
I will echo Don's comments. I did adjust the RX audio equalization to my preference not long after getting my K3. I also listen through a set of external speakers most of the time but even on headphones I have operated for two hours or longer and my posterior became fatigued first. Where the 'phones press on my ears become fatigued next--that's a headphone issue and nothing to do with the K3. I find the K3 as pleasing to listen to as any other rig and the external speakers are likely a key factor in that. The QSK and VOX are incredibly smooth. I'd not serisously used VOX in years until I tried it with the K3. Admittedly, one must tweak the settings a bit and work with the noise gate some but after a few minutes, I have not touched the settings since. It just works very nicely. The K3 is a complex tool. And like any fine tool it takes some time to learn it well. Once learned and configured to one's liking, it is a scalpel on QRM. While I was able to use the radio from the start, I knew I would have to unlearn the old rig while simultaneously understanding how to best operate the K3. I did not set a time period but chose to give myself whatever amount of time was needed to learn it. After a few weeks I was comfortable and after a couple of months operating it was becoming intuitive although I still mix up the band and mode buttons for some reason a year+ later. H. 73, de Nate N0NB -- The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true. Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us __ 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] Itching for a new rig
I prefer to use an automotive analogy. To me, the K3 is like an Indy car. Right off the hauler it's blindingly fast and extremely capable and has more than enough performance for any sane operator (driver). But... in the hands of a knowledgeable operator (engineer) it can be tweaked to perform significantly better, and it will win more contests (races). If you're a competitive type (e.g., contester or hard core DXer) or just want to have the best performance possible, time spent fooling around with the K3's many settings is time well spent, and will serve you well under demanding conditions. If you're not the driven sort, just turn it on and operate. It will still handily whip most any of its competitors, regardless of price. 73... Randy, W8FN The K3 is a complex tool. And like any fine tool it takes some time to learn it well. Once learned and configured to one's liking, it is a scalpel on QRM. While I was able to use the radio from the start, I knew I would have to unlearn the old rig while simultaneously understanding how to best operate the K3. I did not set a time period but chose to give myself whatever amount of time was needed to learn it. After a few weeks I was comfortable and after a couple of months operating it was becoming intuitive although I still mix up the band and mode buttons for some reason a year+ later. H. __ 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] Itching for a new rig
I know what you mean. I was itching for a new rig and I didn't know it at first. But I knew something was missing. A couple months ago, I decided to upgrade my FT950 with the AC0C NS filter, bought the Yaesu microtuners, and bought a NIR-12 DSP unit. After all these investments I could tell I had a better rig but I was still not really that satisfied. I had an improved FT950 and now spent close to what a FT2000 costs. I started looking at the FTDX-5000 and even played around with one at HRO in Burbank a few weeks later. I thought it was a very nice rig but something was missing. A buddy of mine told me to check out the K3. I started my research and then found a person near where I work in north Los Angeles country that was selling one (off QTH ads). I went to his house and he gave me a complete demo and went through a discussion of how he chose the components in the rig. The modular nature and freedom of choice was super cool to me. Plus he operated it off his iphone and he showed me the SDR software and the P3 and I was convinced. I told him the next day that I would buy it from him. Unfortunately a few days after his excited demo and his explanation of how he really liked the rig, he told me that he didn't want to sell it afterall. Bummed out I kept checking the ads on QTH and I ended up with even a better more loaded used K3 that had everything that I wanted including the 6m preamp and the 2m transverter (the other one did not and it was for the same price). I have been playing with it now over the past two days. Initial impressions are extremely positive. I have really enjoyed my FT950 over the past ten months, but I can clearly tell the difference already. The noise blankers are so effective that it blew me away. My noise on 6m is pretty bad with my 6 element DK7ZB antenna and I could never put a dent in it on the 950 or the NIR-12, but with the K3 I was able to get rid of it so easily it freaked me out. Another thing that I found today was the ability to plot the SWR on all my antennas using the K3 EZ software. That was quite a kick. I modeled all my antennas today. I don't think that the 950 could do that. At least I could not figure out how to do it. I also bought the Cady manual which is very helpful, and have read through the K3 manual. I believe that this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Regards, Keith AG6AZ Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:27:46 -0600 From: w...@tx.rr.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Itching for a new rig I prefer to use an automotive analogy. To me, the K3 is like an Indy car. Right off the hauler it's blindingly fast and extremely capable and has more than enough performance for any sane operator (driver). But... in the hands of a knowledgeable operator (engineer) it can be tweaked to perform significantly better, and it will win more contests (races). If you're a competitive type (e.g., contester or hard core DXer) or just want to have the best performance possible, time spent fooling around with the K3's many settings is time well spent, and will serve you well under demanding conditions. If you're not the driven sort, just turn it on and operate. It will still handily whip most any of its competitors, regardless of price. 73... Randy, W8FN The K3 is a complex tool. And like any fine tool it takes some time to learn it well. Once learned and configured to one's liking, it is a scalpel on QRM. While I was able to use the radio from the start, I knew I would have to unlearn the old rig while simultaneously understanding how to best operate the K3. I did not set a time period but chose to give myself whatever amount of time was needed to learn it. After a few weeks I was comfortable and after a couple of months operating it was becoming intuitive although I still mix up the band and mode buttons for some reason a year+ later. H. __ 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] Itching for a new rig
Gary, Wow a new rig every year! Lets see: 1957 - new Knight Ocean Hopper $19.95, used Heath DX-35 $35 1966 - used Clegg Interceptor-B, used Johnson Ranger 1967- new Heath SB-110 1976 - new IC-211 1982 - new TS-180S 1996 - new Tentec Scout 1997 - used FT-840 1998 - new FT-847 1999 - new FT-817 2009 - new K3 2012? new KX3 54-years = 8 new radios - one every seven years. Gary, Simply love the K3. You done your research - now just buy the K3. (Wayne - just mail me my sales commission ;-)) 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 == BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com == __ 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
