Re: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver
I have both. The P3 gets used all the time, especially for evaluating band activity. Super helpful for watching 6M and seeing when the beacons are coming in. With thr wide spectrum (200KHz) I can watch 50.000 through 50.200 basically capturing the beacons, CW segment, calling frequency, and all the action that may be spread out upwards on SSB. 6M is mostly a be there when it happens band, so seeing the spectrum makes it much easier to be there when it happens. I use the 2nd RX mostly for monitoring 50.125 or (with a external transverters) a chosen VHF calling frequency. I tune around the HF bands or other VHF bands on the primary RX while monitoring 6M on the 2nd RX. Ihave a slight modification to my K3 antenna input wiring and the presets are all setup to make it easy for me to swap primary and secondary RX quickly. For example talk on 2M via transverter and monitor 6M on 2nd RX with the 6M beam, hit band down button and now talking on 6M while monitoring on 2M or other VHF band (I have 144, 222, 432, 903, and 1296 here). Antennas are awapped/remembered/selected automatically. I play HF when the VHF bands are silent, but I am always watching the VHF bands. So the P3 first, 2nd next mostly for monitoring different bands with their dedicated antennas. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558618.html Sent from the Elecraft 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] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver
Subreceiver! Adding LP-PAN or a similar SDR plus Skimmer will give you a useful picture of the [small, but often big-enough] band segment, plus callsign and 599 decoding. RObert said: I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I am a newbie ham and I have both in my one K3 Serial 1391 and I find both useful but I definitely use the Panadapter with NAP3 more than the second receiver. One of my closest friends who is a non ham calls it my fish finder. It is super awesome for 6m fish finding when band props are sporadic. I wouldn't operate 6m without it. I use the second receiver on 6m with my new SteppIR 6m passive and my 6m stack because I can have the antennas pointed in different directions which is super cool. If I had to choose between one or the other I would go with the Panadapter or P3. Keith AG6AZ __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Hi Phil, You should have some idea of when you might want to use diversity reception. If you do then the filters that would be in use on your main RX should be duplicated (and matched) in the sub RX. Likewise, you should really give some thought to when you might use your sub RX. I have five filters in my main RX and four in my sub RX. I now believe I only really needed 3 in my sub RX and one day if I have reason to remove my sub RX I'll take out the filter I don't use and sell it. If you never plan on having multiple antennas you might never operate diversity. In that case you won't need matched filters in your sub RX. But that move could lower the resale value of your K3. More food for thought. 73, Mike K2MK Phillip Shepard wrote My understanding is that diversity receive works best with matched receiver topologies. Should the subRx have the same filter array as the main Rx (bandwidths and types)? If the main Rx has 8-pole 2.8, 1.8 and 0.4 kHz filters, should the subRx mimic that? Thank you for the enlightenment. 73, Phil, NS7P -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558543.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I tend to 2nd that recommendation. I have both the P3 and a 2nd receiver in my K-3. I have the same filters for the sub receiver as the main receiver, although, I have never used diversity receive. I think the P3 is particularly helpful to check on band activity before you decide whether or not to switch to that band. For that, the 2nd receiver can obviously be useful. However, as far as actual operating is concerned. If I encounter a DX station using split I find that using RIT is sometimes quicker and faster than setting up a 2nd receiver and using split. Of course, if the split being used is wider than what is available with RIT then, of course you have no choice. All of this depends upon your operating habits. But I think it is a good idea to consider a P3 1st and then the 2nd receiver if you find that could be useful. By the way, I find the P3 much more useful than LP pan. It does not tie up the computer which I can then use for other things such as logging or station co ntrol. Part of that preference was caused by the fact that I did not make the If gain modification to my K-3 and so the LP display showed very low amplitude signals which were often not very useful. That of course was my fault. I find the P3 has enough gain that the if was not required. That is not an issue with newer K-3s which already have the higher gain Incorporated on the board. Bruce-W8FU On Jul 3, 2012, at 8:02 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I am a newbie ham and I have both in my one K3 Serial 1391 and I find both useful but I definitely use the Panadapter with NAP3 more than the second receiver. One of my closest friends who is a non ham calls it my fish finder. It is super awesome for 6m fish finding when band props are sporadic. I wouldn't operate 6m without it. I use the second receiver on 6m with my new SteppIR 6m passive and my 6m stack because I can have the antennas pointed in different directions which is super cool. If I had to choose between one or the other I would go with the Panadapter or P3. Keith AG6AZ __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I do not have a P3 but I do have the subreceiver in my K3. I have found it totally indispensible. How many times have you hit the wrong VFO when going back and forth in a split pileup only to draw the ire of half of the world and being called many descriptive adjectives? Being able to have the second receiver in my right ear and the main one in my left is extremely nice. Listening to the DX station and having the ability to immediately tune the second VFO to where the DX is listening is priceless. 73, Tim Herrick, KQ8M Charter Member North Coast Contesters k...@kq8m.com K3 Serial #5934 AR-Cluster V6 kq8m.no-ip.org User Ports: 23, 7373 with local skimmer, 7374 without local skimmer Server Ports: V6 3607, V4 Active 3605, V4 Passive 3606 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce McLaughlin Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 10:24 AM To: Keith Heimbold Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; eric manning Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver I tend to 2nd that recommendation. I have both the P3 and a 2nd receiver in my K-3. I have the same filters for the sub receiver as the main receiver, although, I have never used diversity receive. I think the P3 is particularly helpful to check on band activity before you decide whether or not to switch to that band. For that, the 2nd receiver can obviously be useful. However, as far as actual operating is concerned. If I encounter a DX station using split I find that using RIT is sometimes quicker and faster than setting up a 2nd receiver and using split. Of course, if the split being used is wider than what is available with RIT then, of course you have no choice. All of this depends upon your operating habits. But I think it is a good idea to consider a P3 1st and then the 2nd receiver if you find that could be useful. By the way, I find the P3 much more useful than LP pan. It does not tie up the computer which I can then use for other things such as logging or station co ntrol. Part of that preference was caused by the fact that I did not make the If gain modification to my K-3 and so the LP display showed very low amplitude signals which were often not very useful. That of course was my fault. I find the P3 has enough gain that the if was not required. That is not an issue with newer K-3s which already have the higher gain Incorporated on the board. Bruce-W8FU On Jul 3, 2012, at 8:02 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote: I am a newbie ham and I have both in my one K3 Serial 1391 and I find both useful but I definitely use the Panadapter with NAP3 more than the second receiver. One of my closest friends who is a non ham calls it my fish finder. It is super awesome for 6m fish finding when band props are sporadic. I wouldn't operate 6m without it. I use the second receiver on 6m with my new SteppIR 6m passive and my 6m stack because I can have the antennas pointed in different directions which is super cool. If I had to choose between one or the other I would go with the Panadapter or P3. Keith AG6AZ __ 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 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I don't know if it has been said, but with a K3, no subreceiver and an LP-Pan, it is possible to monitor the audio on both VFOs simultaneously. 73, Dick - KA5KKT __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I agree that only three filters are necessary in the subRX. I've got the FM filter, which covers AM and ESSB, a 2.8 kHz filter, and the 400 Hz CW in my KRX3. The performance using these filters is fine, certainly better than the second receivers in the Orions (although the new optional RX is supposed to be an improvement) and the FT-5000. 73, Scott, N9AA On 7/3/12 8:48 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: I now believe I only really needed 3 in my sub RX and one day if I have reason to remove my sub RX I'll take out the filter I don't use and sell it. __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. ...robert -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net Syracuse, New York, USA __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I opted for the P3 first as i don't have a trained ear, but I can see what's on the screen. Most will disagree but I still like viewing the band and seeing what is going on. ...bill nr4c Sent from my Verizon Wireless Droid -Original message- From: Robert G. Strickland rc...@verizon.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, Jul 2, 2012 17:50:55 GMT+00:00 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. ...robert -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net Syracuse, New York, USA __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Well, this is entirely subjective. Both can be useful, but I think the subRX would be the more useful addition. 73, Scott, N9AA On 7/2/12 1:50 PM, Robert G. Strickland wrote: I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. ...robert __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
On 7/2/2012 10:50 AM, Robert G. Strickland wrote: Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? I'm mainly a contester, but I work some DX, digital modes on 160M, and all modes on 6M. I use the P3 a LOT more than I use the second RX. For DX, you get the overview of the pileup, can often see who he's answering, and can think about where you want to put your signal. For contesting, it helps fit yourself into a crowded band, see when someone is splattering or putting out garbage. For any operation, it's easy to quickly go to a band and check up to 200kHz of it for any signals. It's REALLY useful on bands like 10M and 6M, where signals appear for a few minutes and are gone due to E-skip. I keep the P3 full width (200 kHz) to look at 50.080 - 50.280. I've worked a lot of guys who were there for only a few minutes and gone, very common with 2-hop E-skip. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 12:50 PM, Robert G. Strickland rc...@verizon.netwrote: ...I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX.. == Well, Bob, if you chase DX on CW you will get a major boost out of the 2nd receiver. Once you have worked the easy ones, you'll find that just about every new one you'll need will be operating split. It is so much easier to snag the guy when you can listen on two frequencies at once. With 2 receivers, you can put the main on the DX and the sub, set to a wider passband (I use 2 Khz), on the pile. You hear the DX in your left ear, the calling stations in your right. Then with luck you can find the guy who's currently working the DX, get your signal on or near his frequency, and make your call. This same routine is even slicker if you have both the 2nd receiver and a panadapter. However, the panadapter by itself will not find the guy who's working the DX, because the pile never stops calling even during a QSO, so you'll see a bunch of spikes and you won't know which one is the station that the DX is listening to. Whatever you decide, good luck and good DX. 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] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver
Standby for incoming, Robert.:-) My suggestion: Your K3 has two VFO's and will run them split. That's what you need for DX. Without the subRx, you have to press and hold the REV button to listen on your TX freq on VFO B in SPLIT. It reverts to VFO A when you let go. With the subRx, you can hear both frequencies, one in each ear if you have all the stereo stuff set up right. With the P3, you don't really need to listen to your TX frequency at all, you can see it at the VFO B cursor in SPLIT. If you're in the middle of the biggest part of the pile, it is obvious instantly, so move. DX Chasing With a P3 and No SubRX: Find the DX. If you can't hear him, find someone else. If you can copy him, tap AB. Then hold it for SPLIT. On the P3, the VFO A cursor [color A] is on the DX. VFO B cursor [color B] is on top of it. Rotate the Little Knob and put VFO B somewhere in the pile, anywhere is OK, it really doesn't matter. Pile calls DX, DX finally calls someone. One [if you're fortunate] signal will pop up. Put VFO B on that signal. When DX sends TU, call him. It's almost too easy, takes longer to describe it than to get in the DX station's log. :-) The subRx has a number of uses, diversity reception being one, and there are others. However, your K3 will already do DX just fine, and a P3 will change your operating habits [and coefficient of fun] dramatically. I bought mine pretty much as a toy. It's all I watch now. When SP in a contest, I no longer tune with the Big Knob, I use the SELECT knob on the P3, put MRKR A on each signal and tap the knob. The various markers and cursors on the P3 are different colors, I don't have any color vision so I don't know what colors they are, but I don't have any problem at all operating with the P3. I do use On 7/2/2012 10:50 AM, Robert G. Strickland wrote: Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Hi Robert, Having never used a panadapter until working at Elecraft, I can honestly say that I can't imagine having a station without one. With a P3 (or LP-Pan for that matter) I can literally see the band at a glance. One of the really nice features is the history or waterfall, which allows you to easily work a pileup. And there is so much more. Just my $0.02 worth, Paul -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558508.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
On 7/2/2012 10:50 AM, Robert G. Strickland wrote: Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? It would be a very tough choice. The panadapter provides a 50,000 foot view ... I can be chasing one pile-up or working JT-65 on 6 meters and see if something else pops up elsewhere in the band. When coupled with the DX Cluster that often alerts me when it something I can work rather than chasing spots I can't hear. On the other hand the second receiver allows me to listen in the pile-up with much more detail than I get from the P3 ... or actually listen to/check out that blip/spot before I leave the current frequency and chase to the opposite end of the band or change modes. 73, ... Joe, W4TV __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Hi Robert, I have the sub RX and the P3 and I would not want to be without either, however, if I were trying to save money on an initial purchase I would buy the P3. The P3 is easy to use and is useful at all times under all conditions. The large screen SVGA option which I also have is nice but certainly not mandatory. The P3 in combination with the existing tools on the K3 will make working split very rewarding. The sub RX is wonderful but I can go weeks without every turning it on. But when needed it is a superb tool. However, working a split DX station where there are thousands of callers is still tedious. The sub RX in combination with the P3 is terrific. I would also say that a P3 is much more useful in a contest than a sub RX. I've operated many CW contests where I never turn on the sub RX but use the P3 extensively. However, if you have the opportunity to add a low noise receive antenna for the low bands then the sub RX can also be used for diversity reception. This is where you can listen to your transmit antenna in one ear and your receive antenna in the other ear. For some this is a powerful tool for weak signal work. 73, Mike K2MK RobertG wrote I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. ...robert -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558516.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I thought this through and chose the P3. The subRX requires a second antenna - which I did not have - and the matching filters, so it is not just the receiver alone. The P3 does everything the others have mentioned, and as one responder said - you will end up using it all the time if you work DX split. - Brian, op K1NW -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558517.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I'd agree. I never had either in the past and now I'm constantly looking at the P3 and I do use the sub-receiver but don't turn it on every time I'm on. The panadapter tells me when the band is dead, when my antenna is tuned properly (I have a magnetic loop that needs to be tuned all the time), when other stations are on, and also if the *%# power line arcing is active on the pole outside my house (it's scheduled to be fixed, but it's been going on for months). I'm sure I could go back to doing things the old way, but it's like turning off DX spotting: why would I want to? On Mon, 2 Jul 2012, Mike K2MK wrote: Hi Robert, I have the sub RX and the P3 and I would not want to be without either, however, if I were trying to save money on an initial purchase I would buy the P3. The P3 is easy to use and is useful at all times under all conditions. The large screen SVGA option which I also have is nice but certainly not mandatory. The P3 in combination with the existing tools on the K3 will make working split very rewarding. The sub RX is wonderful but I can go weeks without every turning it on. But when needed it is a superb tool. However, working a split DX station where there are thousands of callers is still tedious. The sub RX in combination with the P3 is terrific. I would also say that a P3 is much more useful in a contest than a sub RX. I've operated many CW contests where I never turn on the sub RX but use the P3 extensively. However, if you have the opportunity to add a low noise receive antenna for the low bands then the sub RX can also be used for diversity reception. This is where you can listen to your transmit antenna in one ear and your receive antenna in the other ear. For some this is a powerful tool for weak signal work. RobertG wrote I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. -- Hisashi T Fujinaka - ht...@twofifty.com BSEE(6/86) + BSChem(3/95) + BAEnglish(8/95) + MSCS(8/03) + $2.50 = latte __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I have both with my K3. If I could have only one, it would definitely be the P3. The sub RX is great for diversity receive which helps a lot in CW contesting. But the P3, as other have pointed out, lets you quickly find where to place your signal when trying to find a good run frequency. For DXing, I think it is pretty much a tossup. But one aspect of the P3 that no one has recently mentioned is that it makes a SUPERB piece of test equipment when used with the K3. I don't have a dedicated spectrum analyzer but found that the P3 meets many of these needs. I use it when designing and characterizing filters. The ability to easily download and print out plots in full high resolution color is amazing. I often use it with the Elecraft noise source as an input signal. Of course I have the general coverage bandpass filters K3 option, which I highly recommend. And the K3's functionality as a calibrated tunable RF voltmeter is awesome as well. The P3 is also invaluable as a tool for tracking down EMI. You can see the type of signal and how it is moving in frequency vs. time. I use it for this both with the K3 and also as a portable battery powered standalone EMI receiver by setting the programmable IF frequency to the range of interest and using a small hand-held loop antenna. For anyone with an interest in home brewing and circuit design, I can't recommend the K3/P3 combo highly enough. 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I'm a certified (or certifiable?) O.T. who has been haunting the Ham bands for over half a century, content to listen intently for signals while slowly cranking the main tuning knob. Panadapters have been around a long time, but I always thought Huh! Who needs that sort of gadget? Then came the P3. I'm addicted. It's worse than TV way back in the days when we'd sit around for hours watching the test pattern, but infinitely more useful! If I had to choose today, it'd be the P3 over the subrx without hesitation. BTW, like Craig I find it very useful for chasing RFI. 73, Ron AC7AC __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Robert, I have both the subRX and the panadapter, and I love and use both a lot. But if I had to choose between one or the other, I would definitely recommend the P3. I use the P3 all the time -- it is a revolutionary new way to interface with the radio. I just used it a moment ago to break a huge pile up trying to work 1A0C on 20M RTTY. I also use the panadaptor to view band openings and gage the general acitivity on the bands. When tunring the K3, I hardly ever look at the frequency readout anymore. I instead look at the P3 and move from one signal to another much faster. I do use the subRX, especially when I have to go split in a big pileup. But I don't use it nearly as much as the P3. I orginally bought my K3 without the subRX and was very comfortable going split with two VFOs. When I added the subRX, I quickly learned how to use it to listen and tune through a pile to find the station being worked or a gap in the pileup as a whole. But once I got the panadaptor, I don't have to listen on the sub RX nearly as much. The panadaptor allows me to see the pileup and move my VFO B frequency visually and much more quickly. So if I had to choose, I would vote for the P3. But the real answer is the two in combination are lights out! One final thought: if you are going to order your K3 factory built, it might make more sense to buy the subRX. It is a bit involved adding the subRX after the fact. It is super easy to add the P3 at any time. If you already have a K3, then it is a lot easier to add the P3. Eventually, you will want to have both. Dave, N4QS - Original Message - From: Robert G. Strickland rc...@verizon.net To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 12:50 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a small pistol station with no allusions of being a band master. Question: which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions. ...robert -- Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY rc...@verizon.net Syracuse, New York, USA __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Hi Brian, Use of a sub RX does not require a second antenna. I've been using a sub RX to chase split DX since 1991 with one antenna. The only time a second antenna is necessary is if you want to use diversity reception or possibly for some cross band activity. Conversely, a sub RX is not required to utilize a second antenna. You can use a second antenna with the main RX with the addition of the optional KXV3A board. 73, Mike K2MK Brian Maynard wrote I thought this through and chose the P3. The subRX requires a second antenna - which I did not have - and the matching filters, so it is not just the receiver alone. The P3 does everything the others have mentioned, and as one responder said - you will end up using it all the time if you work DX split. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558522.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
I had the same question over a year ago and received the following replies: http://www.ae5x.com/blog/2010/09/05/the-most-beneficial-k3-upgrade-panadapter-or-sub-reciever/?trashed=1ids=1987 I've still not added either but after operating the K3 much as you do, there is no longer any question in my mind - the next upgrade will be the sub-rx. John AE5X __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Hi Mike, You are right! I should have read the manual before posting ;-) It is important to consider the filters needed for the subRX - 8-pole filters are not inexpensive. I hope to have both someday, but for now am very happy with my P3 and KPA500 (and KAT500 on order...). - Brian, op K1NW -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-panadapter-or-subreceiver-tp7558492p7558525.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
And for most operations 8 pole filters are not required. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi Mike, You are right! I should have read the manual before posting ;-) It is important to consider the filters needed for the subRX - 8-pole filters are not inexpensive. I hope to have both someday, but for now am very happy with my P3 and KPA500 (and KAT500 on order...). - Brian, op K1NW -- __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
My understanding is that diversity receive works best with matched receiver topologies. Should the subRx have the same filter array as the main Rx (bandwidths and types)? If the main Rx has 8-pole 2.8, 1.8 and 0.4 kHz filters, should the subRx mimic that? Thank you for the enlightenment. 73, Phil, NS7P -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 7:11 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver And for most operations 8 pole filters are not required. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi Mike, You are right! I should have read the manual before posting ;-) It is important to consider the filters needed for the subRX - 8-pole filters are not inexpensive. I hope to have both someday, but for now am very happy with my P3 and KPA500 (and KAT500 on order...). - Brian, op K1NW -- __ 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 - panadapter or subreceiver
Phil and all, Yes, for diversity receive, the filters should be matched. In theory, the 8 pole filters should have zero offset, but in practice, they may have a small bit of an offset. The answer is to compromise - if you hear a WOW-WOW sound while listening to diversity, you should change the filter offsets a bit. until you eliminate the WOW-WOW. If you are using the SubRX only for RX of the DX in a split situation, there is no need to have matched filters - that operation is quite different than diversity operation. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/2/2012 10:50 PM, Phillip Shepard wrote: My understanding is that diversity receive works best with matched receiver topologies. Should the subRx have the same filter array as the main Rx (bandwidths and types)? If the main Rx has 8-pole 2.8, 1.8 and 0.4 kHz filters, should the subRx mimic that? Thank you for the enlightenment. 73, Phil, NS7P -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 7:11 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver And for most operations 8 pole filters are not required. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi Mike, You are right! I should have read the manual before posting ;-) It is important to consider the filters needed for the subRX - 8-pole filters are not inexpensive. I hope to have both someday, but for now am very happy with my P3 and KPA500 (and KAT500 on order...). - Brian, op K1NW -- __ 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 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 and the subreceiver
Two simple benefits: 1. With just one antenna, when a DX station is working split (transmitting on one frequency, listening on another) you can listen on his receive *and* transmit frequency simultaneously when you are trying to work him. This makes it much, much easier to figure out his listening frequency and pattern to adjust your transmit frequency - gets you in and out of the pileup much faster. 2. With a separate antenna on the sub-RX, you can turn on diversity RX: listen to the same signal on the same freq with two different antennas. Fades on one antenna are often filled in by rx from the other antenna. Especially neat on weak signal bands like 160. Definitely worth the $$ to me. 73, John K3TN -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4597629.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] K3 and the subreceiver
Hello all, I'm considering a K3 and I'm wondering what the benefit of paying the extra money for the subreceiver is. Can any of you elmers enlighten me on why one should put down the extra cash? -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4593879.html Sent from the Elecraft 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 and the subreceiver
Depends on what kind of operating you do. For some things a second receiver is highly useful, for others, not at all useful. To get the maximum benefit you need a second antenna for each band. Then diversity reception is possible, mitigating QSB and enhancing weak signals. If you like to monitor frequencies you are not transmitting on, especially on another band, the second receiver is excellent. You can do some of this with VFO B, but is limited - see the manual. I have the second receiver but do not use it often. I'm pursuing digital modes right now, not rare DX or weak signals. You can always add the second receiver later. Monty K2DLJ Hello all, I'm considering a K3 and I'm wondering what the benefit of paying the extra money for the subreceiver is. Can any of you elmers enlighten me on why one should put down the extra cash? __ 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 and the subreceiver
I use the 2nd receiver ... almost without exception ... to keep an ear on 6M to catch band openings. It's only antenna route is from the BNC connector on the rear. I also have an AlphaDelta 80-10M dipole for general listening on the 2nd RX if needed. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP elecraftcov...@rfwave.net __ 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 and the subreceiver
Hello guys. I've been thinking about the same question as I ponder ordering a K3. In regard to the working of DX split, I currently have a K2. Why couldn't I just use the receiver on the K2 (15 watts) and get the same results instead of purchasing the K3 second receiver? thanks. chuck AF4XK -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599207.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 and the subreceiver
callen1155 wrote: I've been thinking about the same question as I ponder ordering a K3. In regard to the working of DX split, I currently have a K2. Why couldn't I just use the receiver on the K2 (15 watts) and get the same results instead of purchasing the K3 second receiver? You could if you take care not to dumpt RF into the K2. You cannot do diversity receive however since both receivers must be phase-locked to the same frequency. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599454.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 and the subreceiver
Thanks Bill. I new the diversity receive was out and I had thought about the RF overload of the K2. That is a concern and I don't really know if there is a solution to it. I don't want to 'fry' the K2. 73. chuck From: Bill W4ZV [via Elecraft] ml-node+4599454-1492439910-231...@n2.nabble.com To: callen1155 callen1...@yahoo.com Sent: Fri, February 19, 2010 1:46:35 PM Subject: Re: K3 and the subreceiver callen1155 wrote: I've been thinking about the same question as I ponder ordering a K3. In regard to the working of DX split, I currently have a K2. Why couldn't I just use the receiver on the K2 (15 watts) and get the same results instead of purchasing the K3 second receiver? You could if you take care not to dumpt RF into the K2. You cannot do diversity receive however since both receivers must be phase-locked to the same frequency. 73, Bill View message @ http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599454.html To unsubscribe from Re: K3 and the subreceiver, click here. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599487.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 and the subreceiver
You probably could, but you would need to rig a QSK system to mute the K2 when the key is pressed. With the sub receiver you tune the DX station with the main receiver and listening with both ears. When you learn that the DX is working split you press the AB button to put both VFOs on the DX, tap SUB to put the sub in the right ear and the main in the left ear. Then tune to the frequency for transmit with VFO A. You can now listen to the transmit frequency to possibly hear other callers or the QSO you are about to QRM or whatever is going on. It only takes a couple of seconds to set up, much less time than it takes to type the procedure. But, if you are short on cash and don't want to buy the sub-receiver, you can just press and hold the AB,3,SPLIT button and work the DX in the normal split manner. I would do this before I would spend the time to set up a second transceiver. (I have a TS-850 setting here, ready to go). Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ From: callen1155 callen1...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Fri, February 19, 2010 11:50:38 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and the subreceiver Hello guys. I've been thinking about the same question as I ponder ordering a K3. In regard to the working of DX split, I currently have a K2. Why couldn't I just use the receiver on the K2 (15 watts) and get the same results instead of purchasing the K3 second receiver? thanks. chuck AF4XK -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599207.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 and the subreceiver
callen1155 wrote: I new the diversity receive was out and I had thought about the RF overload of the K2. That is a concern and I don't really know if there is a solution to it. I don't want to 'fry' the K2. You need something called a Front End Saver. http://www.aytechnologies.com/TechData/RIP-1.pdf Another alternative to a second receiver is using PowerSDR software with LP-PAN, but this requires additional hardware (KXV3, LP-PAN, decent sound card and a decent computer). You use PowerSDR as your second RX. http://www.telepostinc.com/LP-PAN.html LP-PAN allows you to use your PC / sound card as a second receiver with lots of nice features if you use the PowerSDRTM app. Shown above is split operation using the main and sub receivers in PowerSDR. VFO A (green) from the K3 is linked to the main receiver in PowerSDR, and VFO B (blue) is linked to the sub receiver. The K3 doesn't need the KRX3 2nd receiver option. PowerSDR provides both receivers. PowerSDRTM has lots of flexibility in terms of modes, bandwidths, interference reduction tools, etc. I find listening to SW broadcasts with the synchronous AM detector very nice. (N8LP's comments) 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-and-the-subreceiver-tp4593879p4599760.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 and the subreceiver
Note on diversity reception.Way back in early 70ies while using two Drake R4C receivers for contesting, I discovered interesting effect. When using two receivers, L R, going to two ears L R, using different antennas - Beverages and Inv Vee, I would come across situations when I can hear weak station using both ears/RXs, but when switching to individual one, signal would not be there. It looked to me like some kind of noise canceling, perhaps in combination with brain processing.Diversity can be with polarization, angles, directions. Having tracking receivers makes it sooo cool.Recently while operating as TF4X in CQ 160 CW while using K3 and array of Beverages, Rhombics and Arctic King (TF4M.com) this again came very handy in digging out the weak ones. Noise floor there was just at about 0 and it was some experience to hear the world, being on the top of the world.K3 is unique in using two RX diversity reception, especially for serious contesting, and when limited with 13 lbs weight limit in carry on luggage - jus' one honey of the radio.Packaging, modularity, circuit design and performance is leaving just about all of my big boxes in the dust. Congrats and thanks Elecraft!Yuri, K3BU.us- Original Message -From: Monty Shultes Date: Friday, February 19, 2010 11:25 amSubject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and the subreceiverTo: K4DSW , elecraft@mailman.qth.net Depends on what kind of operating you do. For some things a second receiver is highly useful, for others, not at all useful. To get the maximum benefit you need a second antenna for each band. Then diversity reception is possible, mitigating QSB and enhancing weak signals. If you like to monitor frequencies you are not transmitting on, especially on another band, the second receiver is excellent. You can do some of this with VFO B, but is limited - see the manual. I have the second receiver but do not use it often. I'm pursuing digital modes right now, not rare DX or weak signals. You can always add the second receiver later. Monty K2DLJ Hello all, I'm considering a K3 and I'm wondering what the benefit of paying the extra money for the subreceiver is. Can any of you elmers enlighten me on why one should put down the extra cash? __ 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 and the subreceiver (fixed)
ooops, sorry about the formatting, here it is again. Note on diversity reception. Way back in early 70ies while using two Drake R4C receivers for contesting, I discovered interesting effect. When using two receivers, L R, going to two ears L R, using different antennas - Beverages and Inv Vee, I would come across situations when I can hear weak station using both ears/RXs, but when switching to individual one, signal would not be there. It looked to me like some kind of noise canceling, perhaps in combination with brain processing. Diversity can be with polarization, angles, directions. Having tracking receivers makes it sooo cool. Recently while operating as TF4X in CQ 160 CW while using K3 and array of Beverages, Rhombics and Arctic King (TF4M.com) this again came very handy in digging out the weak ones. Noise floor there was just at about 0 and it was some experience to hear the world, being on the top of the world. K3 is unique in using two RX diversity reception, especially for serious contesting, and when limited with 13 lbs weight limit in carry on luggage - jus' one honey of the radio. Packaging, modularity, circuit design and performance is leaving just about all of my big boxes in the dust. Congrats and thanks Elecraft! Yuri, K3BU.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
