Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3
Congratulations on your purchase of the K-3. I have two of them. Both are fully outfitted as well is a K2/100 which I built several years ago. The K-3s are simply outstanding. I just acquired a P3 41 of them and that works extremely well. I also have an FTDX 5000 MP. That is an excellent radio and as you mentioned it does have its strong points. Its main receiver is extremely good. But as you noted its second receiver is not as good. It does not use the roofing filters which are available to the main receiver and, unlike the main receiver its first IF is in the VHF region so that narrow crystal roofing filters would probably not be very effective. As you know, the story is quite different with the K-3. In fact, I am not aware of any other radio offering two receivers with identical, outstanding characteristics. And of course, the company is just outstanding to deal with. Not only are their products cutting edge but they know how to treat and deal with customers. I think that will certainly ensure a long and prosperous future for Elecraft. Incidentally, I was a member of AF Mars for many years but finally resigned about three years ago because of lack of activity on 1S1. Since I was discouraged from operating on nets with other modes, I just saw no reason to continue the activity. Bruce-W8FU and ex AFA1XD ---Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Cienki Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the SprintR Now Network from my BlackBerryR __ 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] Raves about the K3
Bruce: I agree with all points made in your email. Candidly, when I first got the K3, I did have a bit of a learning curve, but wow, it is now a lot of fun to operate! With anticipated permission of the moderator, regarding AF MARS, I would like to make the following comments since there had been much in the way of program changes over the past 3 years. First, there is a newer MOI and inter-service SOP for voice nets, so all MARS services can interoperate on each other's frequencies and NCS. Second, the mission of MARS has been upgraded to the Military Auxiliary Radio System instead of Military Affiliate Radio System. The major change in focus is the ability to respond to man-made and natural disasters (EEI and ECOM) not just passing military traffic. Third, CW is back. While the US military may have phased out CW as a mode, MARS (all 3 programs)view CW in the realm of a viable mode of communication (under the digital domain), especially in emergency situations, and accordingly, there are now CW nets. Lastly, to conform to FEMA regions, the former region 1 as you knew it has been realigned as have the other AF MARS Regions, and the entire US is now aligned into six area's which manage the new AF MARS FEMA aligned regions. I appreciate and thank you for your comments. I also wish to thank the moderators for their patience regarding my AF MARS posting. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® -Original Message- From: Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:40:18 To: ed.cie...@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 Congratulations on your purchase of the K-3. I have two of them. Both are fully outfitted as well is a K2/100 which I built several years ago. The K-3s are simply outstanding. I just acquired a P3 41 of them and that works extremely well. I also have an FTDX 5000 MP. That is an excellent radio and as you mentioned it does have its strong points. Its main receiver is extremely good. But as you noted its second receiver is not as good. It does not use the roofing filters which are available to the main receiver and, unlike the main receiver its first IF is in the VHF region so that narrow crystal roofing filters would probably not be very effective. As you know, the story is quite different with the K-3. In fact, I am not aware of any other radio offering two receivers with identical, outstanding characteristics. And of course, the company is just outstanding to deal with. Not only are their products cutting edge but they know how to treat and deal with customers. I think that will certainly ensure a long and prosperous future for Elecraft. Incidentally, I was a member of AF Mars for many years but finally resigned about three years ago because of lack of activity on 1S1. Since I was discouraged from operating on nets with other modes, I just saw no reason to continue the activity. Bruce-W8FU and ex AFA1XD ---Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ed Cienki Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the SprintR Now Network from my
Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3
What is 1S1? Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Congratulations on your purchase of the K-3. I have two of them. Both are fully outfitted as well is a K2/100 which I built several years ago. The K-3s are simply outstanding. I just acquired a P3 41 of them and that works extremely well. I also have an FTDX 5000 MP. That is an excellent radio and as you mentioned it does have its strong points. Its main receiver is extremely good. But as you noted its second receiver is not as good. It does not use the roofing filters which are available to the main receiver and, unlike the main receiver its first IF is in the VHF region so that narrow crystal roofing filters would probably not be very effective. As you know, the story is quite different with the K-3. In fact, I am not aware of any other radio offering two receivers with identical, outstanding characteristics. And of course, the company is just outstanding to deal with. Not only are their products cutting edge but they know how to treat and deal with customers. I think that will certainly ensure a long and prosperous future for Elecraft. Incidentally, I was a member of AF Mars for many years but finally resigned about three years ago because of lack of activity on 1S1. Since I was discouraged from operating on nets with other modes, I just saw no reason to continue the activity. Bruce-W8FU and ex AFA1XD __ 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] Raves about the K3
Bruce, I've heard that the military has discontinued CW training for communications. That's too bad. I wonder if MARS still uses CW or have they gone to phone and digital? 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Member 35102 ARRL Life Member On Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:40:18 -0500, Bruce McLaughlin bmcla...@bex.net wrote: [snip] Incidentally, I was a member of AF Mars for many years but finally resigned about three years ago because of lack of activity on 1S1. Since I was discouraged from operating on nets with other modes, I just saw no reason to continue the activity. Bruce-W8FU and ex AFA1XD [snip] __ 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] Raves about the K3
Where CW operators are still active, some ARMY MARS operations has made room for them. I've not been involved with military comms recently, but found a report that Army MARS has launched a test of CW nets in four Midwestern states after recognizing how it could have been a major asset in disasters like Hurricane Katrina. In one exercise it was used to link the Transport Security Agency (TSA) with the Army HQ at FT. Huachuca, Arizona. It all depends upon how many operators are available. CW is still the most reliable digital text mode on the air *IF* trained operators are available. That's exactly what killed CW on the high seas. There it was economic to avoid the cost of hiring operators with CW skills. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Bruce, I've heard that the military has discontinued CW training for communications. That's too bad. I wonder if MARS still uses CW or have they gone to phone and digital? 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Member 35102 ARRL Life Member __ 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] Raves about the K3
Don: If you are referring to Tx settings (not Rx settings), please note the my mic is a Marshall MXL R144 Ribbon Mic, which goes into a Behringher Ultragain-Pro MIC-2200 tube pre-amp, then into a Behringher Ultra-Curve DEQ2496 (set up in the manner as suggested by NU9N), from there, I use an NCS multi-switcher to determine what radio is to be tx’d. Currently, the K3 is set to FL2 (6Hz AM Filter), with Tx ESSB turned on (using BW usually between 3.0 to 3.2), Tx Gate at 25, The Tx eq follows: 50hz = +6; 100hz = +2; 200hz = -2; 400hz = -6; 800hz = -2; 1600hz = +0; 2400hz = +3; and 3200hz = +5. I do run compression on the K3 at 19. How this was determined was actually utilizing the NU9N settings for the DEQ-2496 and then relying on a group of hams that I have known for years that have heard my voice on several other radios, over the telephone and in-person to adjust the Eq on the K3. That is how we arrived at those settings. Did I answer your question? Best 73, Ed, N2EAC From: don Swetzig [mailto:gold...@charter.net] Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 1:26 PM To: ed.cie...@verizon.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Raves about the K3 Please share your RX settings for SSB and your method of determining them Thx Don KD8NNU -- Sent from my Palm Pre _ On Dec 11, 2010 12:42 PM, Ed Cienki ed.cie...@verizon.net wrote: This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ 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] Raves about the K3
This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ 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] Raves about the K3
Please share your RX settings for SSB and your method of determining them Thx Don KD8NNU -- Sent from my Palm Pre On Dec 11, 2010 12:42 PM, Ed Cienki lt;ed.cie...@verizon.netgt; wrote: This is my first post to this reflector and would like to share some of my observations. First. I have a 4xxx series K3, built by Elecraft that is fully outfitted and filtered running LP-Pan, an EMU-0202 and a MicroHam Station Master. Second, I have been operating an IC-7700 for the past 2 yrs. That being said I have run both rigs side-by-side into a IC-PW1 and Palstar AT-Auto. I must say that each radio has its own benefits and is outstanding to operate, but here is where the K3 shines: 1. True dual VFO/dual receive; 2. Easy MARS modification (yes, I am a licensed AF MARS Operator); 3. IF out. LP-Pan and PowerSDR are outstanding; 4. ESSB - of course with the proper filtering being installed; 5. Tx Eq and Noise Gate - No out-board W2IHY EQ is needed (sorry Julius); 6. Light weight; 7. Unbelievable receive audio with the appropriate filtering; 8. Menu flexibility;and 9. Easy updating of firmware. Candidly, I still love and use the IC-7700, but more and more I am utilizing the K3. The K3 is an outstanding value and robust transceiver. As a separate matter (a bit of a rant here), and for example having seen the ARRL and Sherwood engineering reports regarding the FTDX-5000. We as hams are always in search of nirvana. While I have heard the issues regarding the FTDX-5000 design that have not made the mainstream press, the issue here is not to bash Yaesu, but to congratulate and thank Wayne and Eric for the OUTSTANDING job, not only with the design and operation of the K3, but their support of the user group to identify issues and improvements and their outstanding customer support when you call them for assistance. Kudos to Elecraft. Best, 73, Ed, N2EAC Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry® __ 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