[Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?
Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?
No, nothing to be added. U are good enough. Johnny Sent from my iPhone 4 VK7JB zen...@netspace.net.au 於 2011年1月5日 下午5:11 寫道： Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: advice about options to buy?
I mean kat3 + kbpf3 are good enough for u. Sent from my iPhone 4 VK7JB zen...@netspace.net.au 於 2011年1月5日 下午5:11 寫道： Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: advice about options to buy?
Hello, John... I have just such a device as the one you describe...a K3/100 without the KTCX03-1 and with the normal factory filters. The only serious add-in that my box carries is a K144XV internal transverter (more on that anon). I operate a little SSB, more CW, and a lot of other digital, e.g. BPSKxx (31 and 63 mostly), Olivia, Feld Hell, WSJT, etc. I find that this combination works wonderfully for me. The 400 Hz filter is fine for the most demanding CW, but mostly my machine stays with the wide filter (FL1). Now, about the internal 2 meter transverter. This was a Christmas present from the wife. It installed very well, and seems to function superbly. Unfortunately, the 10 watt (actually 9 watts in my case) is not sufficient to drive my 2 meter amp to more than about 60% power. I would have been better off with the external transverter, and I may just get one. The only downside to the external one is that it makes portable operation a bit more complex...more cables, more pieces, and so on...but one could argue that it is unlikely that I would carry the external transverter anyhow, since the high-power 2 meter amp and its gargantuan power supply (60 lbs) are never going to go portable. You can see that I am bedeviled by this matter. [not the Tasmanian kind!] I believe you would be perfectly happy with a plain-vanilla version of the K3/100. John Ragle -- W1ZI P.S. Wasn't the K2/100 a blast? I also built one from scratch and loved it. During a misguided fit of anti-Luddite sentiment, I swapped it off for a Flex 3000, which was a SERIOUS mistake, rectified by purchase of my K3/100. I won't say that I sent the Flex to Botany Bay, just to San Francisco Bay... = On 1/5/2011 4:11 AM, VK7JB wrote: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
John, No need for the high stability reference. The basic one is also a good piece of work. The 2.7 filter is fine in ssb. For CW/data add a 400Hz roofing filter or so (depending on your normal operating BW). You will need it in a busy band. (My 2cts worth) 73 Arie PA3A Op 5-1-2011 10:11, VK7JB schreef: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
K3 is said to be having a better DSP filter than its competitors. Therefore, even for CW operation, the DSP could further narrow the BW hence additional crystal filter such as 400Hz may not be necessary under most of the circumstances. KAT3 is necessary. Under most circumstances, ATU can both act as a preselector and an additional protection between the radio and antenna. No matter whether I have a matched antenna, I always engage KAT3 and don't mind the tiny insertion loss. In case, there were something wrong with my antenna which I did not realise, I could sacrifice my KAT3 to save the radio. I do not favour the proposition of no ATU for a matched antenna. cheers, Johnny VR2XMC 寄件人﹕ Arie Kleingeld PA3A p...@xs4all.nl 收件人﹕ elecraft@mailman.qth.net 傳送日期﹕ 2011/1/5 (三) 6:24:11 PM 主題： Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy? John, No need for the high stability reference. The basic one is also a good piece of work. The 2.7 filter is fine in ssb. For CW/data add a 400Hz roofing filter or so (depending on your normal operating BW). You will need it in a busy band. (My 2cts worth) 73 Arie PA3A Op 5-1-2011 10:11, VK7JB schreef: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB __ __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
Good decision on buying the K3, John - you will love it! For your intended usage, your option selections will be fairly straight-forward. Good choice on the internal tuner - it is great. You will save lots of $$ by not needing to buy many roofing filters. The stock 2.7 KHz should meet 90% of your needs. If your intent to do more CW comes to pass, then the 400 Hz would be my recommendation. With these two filters, you should be all set. The General Coverage BPF option is a good one to have. In addition to opening up the K3 for BCB and SW listening, it will allow its use as a piece of high quality test equipment. You will have ability for calibrated RF voltage measurement over entire HF spectrum. But I HIGHLY recommend also purchasing the KXVA3 option. This will give you higher sensitivity on MW and also allow you to bring out the K3 IF for use with the P3, etc. At $110, this is perhaps the biggest bang for the buck of all the K4 options. No need for the high stability reference option. If you have the $$ now, or if you want to anticipate a future purchase, then go for the P3 - it is AWESOME. Enjoy the K3 and 73CraigAC0DS __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
VK7JB wrote: My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. 1. Definitely not the KTCX03-1. This is a waste of money for a casual operator and is unnecessary for HF operation (but possibly needed for some VHF uses). If your shack is kept at a relatively constant temperature and you allow a reasonable warmup time, your properly calibrated VFO will typically be within 1 Hz at HF even with the standard TCXO. 2. You will need a CW filter if you ever expect to have S9+25 signals within ~3 kHz of your CW or digital frequency. If you don't have one, your AGC will pump when strong signals are near. For casual operation, you might consider the $90 5-pole 500 Hz filter instead of the $131 8-pole 400 Hz. 3. For casual operation the 2.82.7 filter swap is unnecessary (I don't have this in either of my K3s). 4. I don't have a KAT3 in my shack K3 since I'm always driving a tuned input linear and my antennas are resonant anyway. However my K3 configured for portable/expedition use does have the KAT3. At $300 (kit) or $330 (assembled), it's worthwhile to think carefully about whether you really need an ATU. The beauty of the K3's modular configuration is that you're not forced to pay for options that you may seldom if ever use (e.g. AM, FM, general coverage in my case). However, unless money is no object, careful consideration before you place your order can save you a lot of money. Some people say the K3 is a $4-5k rig, but it need not cost that much if carefully configured. For example my shack K3 cost about $3k (even with KRX3) and my portable unit cost about $2.4k (including KAT3). 73, Bill P.S. I would strongly suggest you build the kit version. You'll not only save $300 but you'll learn a lot in the process and will not be afraid to do hardware updates, make repairs or add modules later. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5892027.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?
OK, you are just about to buy, and want ideas. Here goes. You've indicated the General Coverage module. If you are going to get that, I'd suggest you also get the 6khz filter so you can take advantage of all the AM broadcasts you'll be hearing. The 2.8/7 filter just won't work with AM. I felt that the K3 was probably the best radio I could find and decided to go with the 8 pole filters all the way. Bought the 2.8-8pole right off the bat. As I buy filters, i'll only get the 8 poles. Figured I'd always wonder if they would have made a difference later. I like the DVR a lot. You may think about this but it is easy to install as you go from the beginning. By all means get the ATU option. The KAT3 is the best ATU on the market for a built-in ATU. It is fast, very quiet and accurate. And it will tune just about anything. I'm not sure what i think about the high end ref oscillator. I did not get this, and my radio is as accurate as I can tell, and I don't notice any drift. One item I'd suggest is the P3. I just got mine and I think it makes the radio a lot more fun to operate. And, it is great to be able to see what is going on on the bands. Don't forget you need the KXV3(a) interface module to make this work. It also opens up the option of a rec only antenna. As for other filters, I'd suggest waiting until you find you need them. I so far have only the 3.8 standard one. i'm about to buy some but can't determine what ones to get. The DSP filtering is so good, it is hard to imagine that a real filter will make a difference. There, I've spent about $4000 of your hard earned money, but you Will have a radio you'll be proud of, And you'll be working with a group of developers who are on top of pack. The support team at Elecraft is the best in the industry. ...bc nr4c Quoting VK7JB zen...@netspace.net.au: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: advice about options to buy?
NR4C's advice on an additional filter if you plan on doing much SW or MW listening is good, and something I overlooked in my first response. While you can achieve quite good results using USB or LSB in conjunction with the 2.7 KHz roofing filter, a wider filter for use with AM RX will be more satisfying if you plan to do much of it. But I would recommend the 15 KHz FM filter for this purpose rather than the 6 KHz filter. Only get the 6 KHz if you plan on TRANSMITTING on AM. For RX, the 15 KHz filter will allow you to obtain the full 10 KHz bandwidth on BCB stations. And, you can always narrow it, as desired, by using the DSP filter. 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
Hello John, I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't notice the difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one with the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two. I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working serious DX CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that. That's my opinion. I could be wrong. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Life Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer http://www.n5ge.net On Wed, 5 Jan 2011 01:11:44 -0800 (PST), VK7JB zen...@netspace.net.au wrote: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
John says he is a casual operator, ie not really interested in contests. I suggest any additional filters (apart from the General Coverage BPF ) are probably unnecessary for his style of operating. As I understand it, the filters are not there to determine the operating receive bandwidth, but are to protect the A/D from overload. This overload is unlikely in his operating environment, ie not contending with super - heavy QRM unless he has a very close neighbour who persistently creates that sort of signal. The K3 has a superb adjustable DSP filter that goes all the way down to 50Hz with little or no ringing plus the new APF for very small signal enhancement. Save the money and spend it on something else like the auto-atu which is superb. My 2d - keep the change David G3UNA - Original Message - From: Amateur Radio Operator N5GE n...@n5ge.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 6:08 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy? Hello John, I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't notice the difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one with the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two. I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working serious DX CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that. That's my opinion. I could be wrong. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Life Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer http://www.n5ge.net On Wed, 5 Jan 2011 01:11:44 -0800 (PST), VK7JB zen...@netspace.net.au wrote: Hello group, My mouse is hovering over the Add to Cart button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit. My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3. My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option? About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain. John VK7JB __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
I'm curious ... has anyone measured the actual difference in frequency stability with and without the KTCX03? I'm under the impression that the stock frequency stability is pretty solid. And aside from critical VHF/UHF work, is there any place that difference makes a ... well, uhh ... difference? 73, Dave AB7E On 1/5/2011 11:08 AM, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE wrote: Hello John, I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't notice the difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one with the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two. I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working serious DX CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that. That's my opinion. I could be wrong. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE __ 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] K3: advice about options to buy?
A short post to thank everyone for all the great help with thinking through my K3 options. I received a lot of very clear advice, both on and off the reflector, and I feel much better placed now to make a decision. Thank you, everyone, for your interest and for generously sharing your knowledge. I look forward to a having K3 contact with some of you - perhaps very soon. 73, John VK7JB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5894810.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
