Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT Newbie
Dave - Do you feel up to building a kit? The K2 is a good radiofor this experience. You can start small, with the 10-15 watt base CW only transceiver, adding modules and functions (SSB, noise blanker, automatic antenna coupler, 100-watt amplifierstage, etc.) as time and budget permit. But the important thing is, the K2 doesn't give away much of anything to bigger (and more costly) units. Its performance is top notch (verified by any number of test reports from professional labs), and it hasthe distinct advantage of being a rig that the average ham can still fix by himself. Add to that the world class technical and factory support, and you've got a winner. I am sure may others on this reflector will agree. If you don't feel up to a kit, there are even fellows on here that will build it for you for a nominal fee, and the end result is a truly professional job. - Jim, KL7CC On 6/25/2014 5:38 AM, w1dwz w1dwz wrote: I am quite interested in seeing what all this interest in ELECRAFT line of QRP transceivers is all about. I am 60 yrs in Ham Radio , and would like to hve some help in obtaining one suitable to my needs . I like QRP'ing , portable operating . If anyone has something for sale that would suit my needs as a beginner with ELECRAFT, please write. I wud prefer a K1 or K2 maybe , with possible up grade options for SSB , keyer , 5W OK but 10 maybe preferred , like 80 / 75 / 40 / 15 meters . Senior Citizen with limited radio budget but wud love to see what these things are all abt. Write if you hv something that u think wud be of interest to me Dave W1DWZ __ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT Newbie
You can often find a used K2 on ebay or preferably on this list for substantially less than the kit price. Ebay may be a riskier proposition. Still, you can probably fix minor problems yourself if you are so inclined. Many are selling their K2 rigs having bought a KX3, but I still use mine despite having a KX3 73 Chip Ae5ka On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, Jim Wiley jwi...@gci.net wrote: Dave - Do you feel up to building a kit? The K2 is a good radiofor this experience. You can start small, with the 10-15 watt base CW only transceiver, adding modules and functions (SSB, noise blanker, automatic antenna coupler, 100-watt amplifierstage, etc.) as time and budget permit. But the important thing is, the K2 doesn't give away much of anything to bigger (and more costly) units. Its performance is top notch (verified by any number of test reports from professional labs), and it hasthe distinct advantage of being a rig that the average ham can still fix by himself. Add to that the world class technical and factory support, and you've got a winner. I am sure may others on this reflector will agree. If you don't feel up to a kit, there are even fellows on here that will build it for you for a nominal fee, and the end result is a truly professional job. - Jim, KL7CC On 6/25/2014 5:38 AM, w1dwz w1dwz wrote: I am quite interested in seeing what all this interest in ELECRAFT line of QRP transceivers is all about. I am 60 yrs in Ham Radio , and would like to hve some help in obtaining one suitable to my needs . I like QRP'ing , portable operating . If anyone has something for sale that would suit my needs as a beginner with ELECRAFT, please write. I wud prefer a K1 or K2 maybe , with possible up grade options for SSB , keyer , 5W OK but 10 maybe preferred , like 80 / 75 / 40 / 15 meters . Senior Citizen with limited radio budget but wud love to see what these things are all abt. Write if you hv something that u think wud be of interest to me Dave W1DWZ __ 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 Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT Newbie
Also, to catch a K2 sale here on this Elecraft list you must be quick and check all the time. I don't recall seeing a posted K2 for-sale message that has gone unanswered with a buy that very same day. Sure that probably happens but it might be more rare. 73, phil, K7PEH On Jun 25, 2014, at 8:26 AM, Chip Stratton c...@strattonfamily.us wrote: You can often find a used K2 on ebay or preferably on this list for substantially less than the kit price. Ebay may be a riskier proposition. Still, you can probably fix minor problems yourself if you are so inclined. Many are selling their K2 rigs having bought a KX3, but I still use mine despite having a KX3 73 Chip Ae5ka On Wednesday, June 25, 2014, Jim Wiley jwi...@gci.net wrote: Dave - Do you feel up to building a kit? The K2 is a good radiofor this experience. You can start small, with the 10-15 watt base CW only transceiver, adding modules and functions (SSB, noise blanker, automatic antenna coupler, 100-watt amplifierstage, etc.) as time and budget permit. But the important thing is, the K2 doesn't give away much of anything to bigger (and more costly) units. Its performance is top notch (verified by any number of test reports from professional labs), and it hasthe distinct advantage of being a rig that the average ham can still fix by himself. Add to that the world class technical and factory support, and you've got a winner. I am sure may others on this reflector will agree. If you don't feel up to a kit, there are even fellows on here that will build it for you for a nominal fee, and the end result is a truly professional job. - Jim, KL7CC On 6/25/2014 5:38 AM, w1dwz w1dwz wrote: I am quite interested in seeing what all this interest in ELECRAFT line of QRP transceivers is all about. I am 60 yrs in Ham Radio , and would like to hve some help in obtaining one suitable to my needs . I like QRP'ing , portable operating . If anyone has something for sale that would suit my needs as a beginner with ELECRAFT, please write. I wud prefer a K1 or K2 maybe , with possible up grade options for SSB , keyer , 5W OK but 10 maybe preferred , like 80 / 75 / 40 / 15 meters . Senior Citizen with limited radio budget but wud love to see what these things are all abt. Write if you hv something that u think wud be of interest to me Dave W1DWZ __ 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 Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to phys...@mac.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT Newbie
Dave, For portable QRP operation, I would suggest that the KX3 is the optimum solution. It is all-mode, 160 through 6 meter coverage, and is rated at the top of the Sherwood listing for receive performance. It is available either factory built or as a no-solder kit. If that is out of your current radio budget, then I would suggest the K2 as the 2nd choice. Yes, it is a kit that you need to assemble from the basic resistors, capacitors, ICs and transistors. The basic K2 covers 80 thru 10 meters, CW only, but options can be added for 160 meter coverage, SSB, automatic antenna tuner, as well as other functions such as the noise blanker and either audio DSP or an audio filter. Even though it is a 15 year old design, it is still rated quite high on the Sherwood listings. The nice thing about the K2 is that you can build the basic K2 and add options as your ham budget recovers later. All Elecraft transceivers have a built in keyer. I would have suggested the K1, but you specified SSB operation and 80 meters. The K1 will do 80 meters, but that band must be built on a 2 band board. There is a 4 band board available, but it covers 40, 30, 20 and your choice of 17 or 15 meters. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/25/2014 9:38 AM, w1dwz w1dwz wrote: I am quite interested in seeing what all this interest in ELECRAFT line of QRP transceivers is all about. I am 60 yrs in Ham Radio ,and would like to hve some help in obtaining one suitable to my needs . Like QRP'ing , portable operating . If anyone has something for sale that would suit my needs as a beginner with ELECRAFT, please write. I wud prefer a K1 or K2 maybe , with possibleup grade options for SSB , keyer ,5W OK but 10 maybe preferred , like 80 / 75 / 40 / 15 meters . Senior Citizen with limited radio budget but wud love to see what these things are all abt. Write if you hv something that u think wud be of interest to me Dave W1DWZ in RI. 401 297-0361or: w1...@fullchannel.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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
KF9QL wrote [...] so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. [...] TB73, de KF9QL One suggestion: you may want to consider the P3 (and if you really want the big screen, include the P3SVGA) instead of the LP-PAN. I assembled the K3/100 and P3 combo a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, I was blind and now I see. The nice thing about the P3 is that it feels like an extension of the K3 and vice versa. Its not like the P3 controls are trying to replace those on the K3 front panel, they merely augment them -- very smooth and intuitive. I looked hard at the LP-PAN alternative and decided that I wanted to keep my PC for logging and spotting -- not for controlling my radio. I am very pleased with my K3 - P3 setup! 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI K1, K3, P3 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564357.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Right...good points. I ordered the module needed to support either the P3 or the LP-PAN, but I didn't make the final decision just yet. But still, the LP-PAN wouldn't be a bad way to go for less money, and then just add the monitor to another video card. The monitor would be needed for the P3 anyway, and I have an extra video card. So a guy might just try it with the LP-PAN at first, and then upgrade to the P3 later, if the spirit moves him... Thanks for the post. TB Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:17:17 -0700 From: ke...@roadrunner.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 KF9QL wrote [...] so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. [...] TB73, de KF9QL One suggestion: you may want to consider the P3 (and if you really want the big screen, include the P3SVGA) instead of the LP-PAN. I assembled the K3/100 and P3 combo a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, I was blind and now I see. The nice thing about the P3 is that it feels like an extension of the K3 and vice versa. Its not like the P3 controls are trying to replace those on the K3 front panel, they merely augment them -- very smooth and intuitive. I looked hard at the LP-PAN alternative and decided that I wanted to keep my PC for logging and spotting -- not for controlling my radio. I am very pleased with my K3 - P3 setup! 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI K1, K3, P3 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564357.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 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Hello Tom, I went back and forth on this toobuy a P3 and SVGA adapter or an LP-Pan. I finally decided to go the P3 route for several reasons: 1) It's self contained and I don't have to tie up the shack computer running another application. I already have two monitors on the shack PC and screen real estate is already an issue sometimes. Putting LP-Pan into that mix just complicates things too much. 2) The LP-Pan requires a high end sound card for maximum performance. I'd have to add the cost of that into the equation. 3) My shack computer is more than adequate for ham radio purposes, logging program, telnet for packetcluster, etc. If I went the LP-Pan route, however, I'd probably need to upgrade the computer. That's a big additional expense and headache just to use the LP-Pan. If you throw digital modes into the mix, say for a RTTY contest, you're putting a lot of processing burden on one computer. 4) Several friends have K3's and P3's and they rave about themthe integration with the K3 is flawless. So, I plan on buying a P3, SVGA adapter and a big dedicated monitor in the near future. In the end you have to decide and do what's best for your particular situation. On 10/20/2012 11:10 AM, tom betka wrote: Right...good points. I ordered the module needed to support either the P3 or the LP-PAN, but I didn't make the final decision just yet. But still, the LP-PAN wouldn't be a bad way to go for less money, and then just add the monitor to another video card. The monitor would be needed for the P3 anyway, and I have an extra video card. So a guy might just try it with the LP-PAN at first, and then upgrade to the P3 later, if the spirit moves him... Thanks for the post. TB Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:17:17 -0700 From: ke...@roadrunner.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 KF9QL wrote [...] so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. [...] TB73, de KF9QL One suggestion: you may want to consider the P3 (and if you really want the big screen, include the P3SVGA) instead of the LP-PAN. I assembled the K3/100 and P3 combo a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, I was blind and now I see. The nice thing about the P3 is that it feels like an extension of the K3 and vice versa. Its not like the P3 controls are trying to replace those on the K3 front panel, they merely augment them -- very smooth and intuitive. I looked hard at the LP-PAN alternative and decided that I wanted to keep my PC for logging and spotting -- not for controlling my radio. I am very pleased with my K3 - P3 setup! 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI K1, K3, P3 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564357.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 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 -- 73, Gary K9GS Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.org __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Yesterday I had a personal demo at Elecraft by Paul, their P3 engineer of the P3 SVGA. All I have to say is WOW Why would anybody, with a K3, consider anything else. George, W6GF Love my 2 K3s and my KX3 S/N 0123 From: Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com To: Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 10:41 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Hello Tom, I went back and forth on this toobuy a P3 and SVGA adapter or an LP-Pan. I finally decided to go the P3 route for several reasons: 1) It's self contained and I don't have to tie up the shack computer running another application. I already have two monitors on the shack PC and screen real estate is already an issue sometimes. Putting LP-Pan into that mix just complicates things too much. 2) The LP-Pan requires a high end sound card for maximum performance. I'd have to add the cost of that into the equation. 3) My shack computer is more than adequate for ham radio purposes, logging program, telnet for packetcluster, etc. If I went the LP-Pan route, however, I'd probably need to upgrade the computer. That's a big additional expense and headache just to use the LP-Pan. If you throw digital modes into the mix, say for a RTTY contest, you're putting a lot of processing burden on one computer. 4) Several friends have K3's and P3's and they rave about themthe integration with the K3 is flawless. So, I plan on buying a P3, SVGA adapter and a big dedicated monitor in the near future. In the end you have to decide and do what's best for your particular situation. On 10/20/2012 11:10 AM, tom betka wrote: Right...good points. I ordered the module needed to support either the P3 or the LP-PAN, but I didn't make the final decision just yet. But still, the LP-PAN wouldn't be a bad way to go for less money, and then just add the monitor to another video card. The monitor would be needed for the P3 anyway, and I have an extra video card. So a guy might just try it with the LP-PAN at first, and then upgrade to the P3 later, if the spirit moves him... Thanks for the post. TB Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:17:17 -0700 From: ke...@roadrunner.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 KF9QL wrote [...] so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. [...] TB73, de KF9QL One suggestion: you may want to consider the P3 (and if you really want the big screen, include the P3SVGA) instead of the LP-PAN. I assembled the K3/100 and P3 combo a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, I was blind and now I see. The nice thing about the P3 is that it feels like an extension of the K3 and vice versa. Its not like the P3 controls are trying to replace those on the K3 front panel, they merely augment them -- very smooth and intuitive. I looked hard at the LP-PAN alternative and decided that I wanted to keep my PC for logging and spotting -- not for controlling my radio. I am very pleased with my K3 - P3 setup! 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI K1, K3, P3 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564357.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 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 -- 73, Gary K9GS Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.org __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Dwight (NS9I) showed me his LP-PAN set-up this past week, and it's very nice indeed. I would have absolutely no problem going with that either. I was advised by David at Elecraft that the K3 module needed (I forgot the part number) is needed regardless if you go with the LP-PAN or the P3 itself...so I figured that I really couldn't go wrong either way. So I just ordered the module for the K3 and will install it. I have a Mackie 1640 Onyx firewire sound board, and that will work just fine as a sound interface. So either way, I'm good. I just have bigger fish to fry right now, with the radio itself and then installing a zero-five 30' flag pole antenna in the yard and running the coax and ground radial system. The P3 vs LP-PAN contest will have to wait a couple months, lol. The P3 looks brilliant though, with that external monitor. Very impressive indeed! TB Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:58:12 -0700 From: georgefrit...@yahoo.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Yesterday I had a personal demo at Elecraft by Paul, their P3 engineer of the P3 SVGA. All I have to say is WOW Why would anybody, with a K3, consider anything else. George, W6GF Love my 2 K3s and my KX3 S/N 0123 From: Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com To: Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 10:41 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Hello Tom, I went back and forth on this toobuy a P3 and SVGA adapter or an LP-Pan. I finally decided to go the P3 route for several reasons: 1) It's self contained and I don't have to tie up the shack computer running another application. I already have two monitors on the shack PC and screen real estate is already an issue sometimes. Putting LP-Pan into that mix just complicates things too much. 2) The LP-Pan requires a high end sound card for maximum performance. I'd have to add the cost of that into the equation. 3) My shack computer is more than adequate for ham radio purposes, logging program, telnet for packetcluster, etc. If I went the LP-Pan route, however, I'd probably need to upgrade the computer. That's a big additional expense and headache just to use the LP-Pan. If you throw digital modes into the mix, say for a RTTY contest, you're putting a lot of processing burden on one computer. 4) Several friends have K3's and P3's and they rave about themthe integration with the K3 is flawless. So, I plan on buying a P3, SVGA adapter and a big dedicated monitor in the near future. In the end you have to decide and do what's best for your particular situation. On 10/20/2012 11:10 AM, tom betka wrote: Right...good points. I ordered the module needed to support either the P3 or the LP-PAN, but I didn't make the final decision just yet. But still, the LP-PAN wouldn't be a bad way to go for less money, and then just add the monitor to another video card. The monitor would be needed for the P3 anyway, and I have an extra video card. So a guy might just try it with the LP-PAN at first, and then upgrade to the P3 later, if the spirit moves him... Thanks for the post. TB Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:17:17 -0700 From: ke...@roadrunner.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 KF9QL wrote [...] so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. [...] TB73, de KF9QL One suggestion: you may want to consider the P3 (and if you really want the big screen, include the P3SVGA) instead of the LP-PAN. I assembled the K3/100 and P3 combo a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, I was blind and now I see. The nice thing about the P3 is that it feels like an extension of the K3 and vice versa. Its not like the P3 controls are trying to replace those on the K3 front panel, they merely augment them -- very smooth and intuitive. I looked hard at the LP-PAN alternative and decided that I wanted to keep my PC for logging and spotting -- not for controlling my radio. I am very pleased with my K3 - P3 setup! 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI K1, K3, P3 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564357.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 mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Thanks to all who responded to my thread earlier this week. With your help (especially Dwight, NS9I whose incredible shack I visited the other day), and after a few conversations with David Shoaf at Elecraft, I have decided on a K3. I finalized and placed the order today for the K3/100 unit, along with the internal antenna tuner and the IF module so that I can use an LP-PAN and external monitor. All that is left now is to arrange transfer of the funds, and the thing should get shipped to me next week...with luck. I have a few things to do on my end anyway, as I don't even have an antenna mounted yet. So it will be a couple weeks before I am on the air anyway--but I'll get there soon enough. I have waited 8-10 years to get back into HAM radio, so another couple of weeks isn't the end of the world by any means. On another note, I recently received a set of the Gordon West Extra Class course materials, and have started studying for the upgrade. I've been studying electronics for the past month or two anyway, so with any luck I'll get prepared for the Extra class upgrade by the end of the year as well. Anyway, just wanted to again say thanks for all the opinions rendered by you folks. This newsgroup (reflector) is an excellent resource, and I plan to keep hanging out and learning! TB73, de KF9QL __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I think that paddle might be affordable as well. Once I get the radio up and going with an antenna here, then that would be the next step. The stuff I was talking about was a paddle from Elecraft, and a couple of the other filters as recommended on their site. I could indeed afford the antenna tuner and the 100w amp in the initial purchase, although not much more than that right now. But I think the list I provided would be a good start, although I would try to add a 2m module and a P3 in 2013. Thanks for the post. TB Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:39:37 +1100 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 From: vk2...@gmail.com To: tcbe...@hotmail.com CC: phys...@mac.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Hi Tom, What are this CW stuff you are talking about below? If it is narrow roofing filters for CW, then I think you can definitely leave these off until later, and just rely on the K3 DSP filtering for now. I think the only thing you really need to add to a basic K3 in order to do CW is a paddle. I suggest the Bencher BY-1 is a good entry-level paddle that is inexpensive but works FB. By adding the 100W amp now, it will be easier to make contacts and build your CW skills. If you are thinking of getting a K3, then grab a copy of Fred Cady's ebook on the K3 from Lulu (it is cheap, especially if you use one of the readily available discount vouchers). 73, Matt VK2ACL __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I own both K3 and KX3. K3 is mature radio. Works very well. But the design is a few years old. KX3 is new radio with new design. Not mature. For instance, it has capability for extra receiver + digital work out of I/Q lines, but the software is not quite available or reliable yet. NB and NR are work in progress. Speech processor is not yet as good as in K3. The contest programs cannot easily send CW without extra hardware (with exceptions). etc, etc. But with ALS-600 modified for low drive, one can add 600W to KX3 for $1k (used price). IMHO, KX3 will look much more refined in a year. Ignacy -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564227.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I have thought about this for several days and considering what you want in a radio at this point and being you will have but a single one starting out. I think the choice is fairly clear cut and it would be in favor of the K3 because you need a stable platform for use at home and in a Motor Home both easy for a K3 and it has 100w now when needed. The interfaces give you more choices now than the KX3 and I think that your need for a total QRP portable rig comes second at this time. It may very well be needed later down the road for testing of some of your devices and software but for development the K3 would be a plus in my opinion. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ignacy Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 9:07 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 I own both K3 and KX3. K3 is mature radio. Works very well. But the design is a few years old. KX3 is new radio with new design. Not mature. For instance, it has capability for extra receiver + digital work out of I/Q lines, but the software is not quite available or reliable yet. NB and NR are work in progress. Speech processor is not yet as good as in K3. The contest programs cannot easily send CW without extra hardware (with exceptions). etc, etc. But with ALS-600 modified for low drive, one can add 600W to KX3 for $1k (used price). IMHO, KX3 will look much more refined in a year. Ignacy -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-t p7564208p7564227.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 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Tom, I own both radios. I bought my K3/10 two years ago and have had a good time running 12w SSB with it. Surprising many when I tell them I am only running 12w. I can check into the Elecraft net fairly well with that. IN the last year I have built a 300w PA kit and can run 270w out on 20m with 12w drive from either of my radios and that makes my signal get thru every time. I should mention I run a 3-element triband yagi which does not hurt. You will like the K3 for digital modes and should opt for it, in my opinion. I got the transverter interface and second Rx along with three filters for FM, SSB, and CW. I added the TCXO-3 and later the EXREF for super accurate frequency. Those are important for some of the narrowband digital modes like WSPR and JT65. I am getting some experience with my KX3 mainly on 2m using a modified 144-28 transverter (I added a PLL synth LO so I could operate over the full 144-148 band by switching LO freq. and installed a 13w RF module which drives nicely with 3w from the KX3). Eventually Elecraft will offer a 2m transverter module and 100w PA for the KX3 which turns it into a decent mobile radio. The K3 will work fine for mobile in a RV, though. After having both radios I would not part with my K3. The KX3 would make a fine starter radio had it been available when I bought the K3, but the K3 shines for running 600m thru mw from home. Previous radios were a FT-847 and FT-817, respectively, and the Elecraft radios run circles around the old radios. 73, Ed - KL7UW __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Ed, what PA kit did you build? 73 de AF9W Bob KX3 #1736 On Oct 17, 2012, at 9:54 AM, Edward R Cole wrote: Tom, I own both radios. I bought my K3/10 two years ago and have had a good time running 12w SSB with it. Surprising many when I tell them I am only running 12w. I can check into the Elecraft net fairly well with that. IN the last year I have built a 300w PA kit and can run 270w out on 20m with 12w drive from either of my radios and that makes my signal get thru every time. I should mention I run a 3-element triband yagi which does not hurt. You will like the K3 for digital modes and should opt for it, in my opinion. I got the transverter interface and second Rx along with three filters for FM, SSB, and CW. I added the TCXO-3 and later the EXREF for super accurate frequency. Those are important for some of the narrowband digital modes like WSPR and JT65. I am getting some experience with my KX3 mainly on 2m using a modified 144-28 transverter (I added a PLL synth LO so I could operate over the full 144-148 band by switching LO freq. and installed a 13w RF module which drives nicely with 3w from the KX3). Eventually Elecraft will offer a 2m transverter module and 100w PA for the KX3 which turns it into a decent mobile radio. The K3 will work fine for mobile in a RV, though. After having both radios I would not part with my K3. The KX3 would make a fine starter radio had it been available when I bought the K3, but the K3 shines for running 600m thru mw from home. Previous radios were a FT-847 and FT-817, respectively, and the Elecraft radios run circles around the old radios. 73, Ed - KL7UW __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Hi Tom, I'm still running a barefoot K2 (cw only) with an amp I can add on when needed. After reading your last post (below) I agree with you that is sounds like good logic to outfit yourself with a radio that you can immediately have fun with. So the SSB mode and additional CW mode sounds like it would support that well. On the question of whether to have more than QRP wattage, I can only relate that I love to see the K2 working a station barefoot. However, there are those times when I've connected with a station that I'm really excited about, and that station is struggling to get reliable copy. Its wonderful at times like that to be able to flip a switch and bring up my signal. I had just that situation the other night and the station thanked me for turning on the amp. It might set your wallet back a little on the temporary. But when you have it, you may be glad you opted for the 100-watts up front. :) Duane - N1BBR Message: 13 Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:27:13 -0500 From: tom betka tcbe...@hotmail.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 To: phys...@mac.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: snt118-w52fab9867910fe313113e5a1...@phx.gbl Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Thanks Phil... I agree that the K3 does indeed seem like the way to go at this point, and the extra $$ is probably money well-spent. But that leaves me with another dilemma...how to outfit the K3? Here's the basic order I came up with today. After talking David at Elecraft, I added the 100w power amplifier which kicks price up $450. But my question...is that really needed at first. I guess David's point (which seemed very valid when we talked) was that I should spend the extra money on the 100w amp, instead of some stuff for CW that I was going to opt for instead. I have never really practiced much CW to be honest, and would like to learn it. However David advised that it would be more important to get phone up running, and working well--and THEN add on CW in the future. After considering his advice more today I think it's very sound indeed--and therefore was probably looking at this build list: Elecraft K3 item# item descriptionunit price-K3/100 K3 100W Xcvr. (Modular Kit) $1999.95(10w = 1549.95)KUSB Univ. Ser Bus Adapt. $39.95KXSER K144XV Serial Cable free MH3 MH3 Hand Mic$59.95 KAT3Internal Tuner $299.95=== TOTAL $2399.80 (10w = $1949.80) Although it's a bit more than I was planning to spend initially, the 100-watt amp is an affordable add-on in the initial build. So it would be do-able. For comparison, if I were to go with a KX3 and leave off the CW components, the gear would come in at just under $1350--but of course that doesn't include a 100-watt amplifier, as they are not yet available for that radio. So it really isn't an apples-to-apples comparison at all...unless you simply consider the 10-watt K3 build. In that case it would be about $600 more for the K3, and I think it's been well-established that this extra money would be well-spent given that this would be my only HF rig. Anyway, I'll hopefully be looking at Duane's K3 tomorrow if all goes well. Then I can make the final decision after that, and get moving. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. It's very reassuring to draw on the wealth of experience that's so obvious in the users here. Tom -- bw...@fastmail.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Yea, I think the sentiment has been pretty overwhelming that the extra $450 would be money very well-spent at this point. So that's a given it seems... Thanks for the post. TB From: bw...@fastmail.fm To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:57:20 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Hi Tom, I'm still running a barefoot K2 (cw only) with an amp I can add on when needed. After reading your last post (below) I agree with you that is sounds like good logic to outfit yourself with a radio that you can immediately have fun with. So the SSB mode and additional CW mode sounds like it would support that well. On the question of whether to have more than QRP wattage, I can only relate that I love to see the K2 working a station barefoot. However, there are those times when I've connected with a station that I'm really excited about, and that station is struggling to get reliable copy. Its wonderful at times like that to be able to flip a switch and bring up my signal. I had just that situation the other night and the station thanked me for turning on the amp. It might set your wallet back a little on the temporary. But when you have it, you may be glad you opted for the 100-watts up front. :) Duane - N1BBR Message: 13 Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:27:13 -0500 From: tom betka tcbe...@hotmail.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 To: phys...@mac.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: snt118-w52fab9867910fe313113e5a1...@phx.gbl Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Thanks Phil... I agree that the K3 does indeed seem like the way to go at this point, and the extra $$ is probably money well-spent. But that leaves me with another dilemma...how to outfit the K3? Here's the basic order I came up with today. After talking David at Elecraft, I added the 100w power amplifier which kicks price up $450. But my question...is that really needed at first. I guess David's point (which seemed very valid when we talked) was that I should spend the extra money on the 100w amp, instead of some stuff for CW that I was going to opt for instead. I have never really practiced much CW to be honest, and would like to learn it. However David advised that it would be more important to get phone up running, and working well--and THEN add on CW in the future. After considering his advice more today I think it's very sound indeed--and therefore was probably looking at this build list: Elecraft K3 item# item descriptionunit price-K3/100 K3 100W Xcvr. (Modular Kit) $1999.95(10w = 1549.95)KUSB Univ. Ser Bus Adapt. $39.95KXSER K144XV Serial Cable free MH3 MH3 Hand Mic$59.95 KAT3Internal Tuner $299.95=== TOTAL $2399.80 (10w = $1949.80) Although it's a bit more than I was planning to spend initially, the 100-watt amp is an affordable add-on in the initial build. So it would be do-able. For comparison, if I were to go with a KX3 and leave off the CW components, the gear would come in at just under $1350--but of course that doesn't include a 100-watt amplifier, as they are not yet available for that radio. So it really isn't an apples-to-apples comparison at all...unless you simply consider the 10-watt K3 build. In that case it would be about $600 more for the K3, and I think it's been well-established that this extra money would be well-spent given that this would be my only HF rig. Anyway, I'll hopefully be looking at Duane's K3 tomorrow if all goes well. Then I can make the final decision after that, and get moving. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. It's very reassuring to draw on the wealth of experience that's so obvious in the users here. Tom -- bw...@fastmail.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 __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
On 18/10/2012, at 1:06 AM, Ignacy n...@arrl.net wrote: I own both K3 and KX3. K3 is mature radio. Works very well. But the design is a few years old. KX3 is new radio with new design. ... The contest programs cannot easily send CW without extra hardware (with exceptions). I actually used N1MM with the KX3 in the Oceania DX CW contest last weekend (and in the Oceania DX SSB contest the weekend before). It was the first time I had used a contesting program to generate CW, and I discovered that N1MM is a powerful program. To get it to work with the KX3, all that was required was a trivial circuit with just a single transistor and single resistor, which is pretty easy. In the end I'll probably get a Winkeyer or similar, but the simple transistor interface was a quick and easy way to get on the air and give automated CW contesting a go. 73, Matt VK2ACL __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Hi Duane, Yes, I agree about the 100-watt amplifier option. A guy wouldn't have to use it if it wasn't needed, but if it is needed it will sure be nice to have it. So it indeed seems to be a prudent investment at this point, even if it adds more to the initial cost than I initially planned. I guess it also saves the trouble of adding it in later... Thanks for the post. TB From: bw...@fastmail.fm To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:57:20 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Hi Tom, I'm still running a barefoot K2 (cw only) with an amp I can add on when needed. After reading your last post (below) I agree with you that is sounds like good logic to outfit yourself with a radio that you can immediately have fun with. So the SSB mode and additional CW mode sounds like it would support that well. On the question of whether to have more than QRP wattage, I can only relate that I love to see the K2 working a station barefoot. However, there are those times when I've connected with a station that I'm really excited about, and that station is struggling to get reliable copy. Its wonderful at times like that to be able to flip a switch and bring up my signal. I had just that situation the other night and the station thanked me for turning on the amp. It might set your wallet back a little on the temporary. But when you have it, you may be glad you opted for the 100-watts up front. :) Duane - N1BBR __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Matt, Did you use a separate USB/serial cable? Perhaps, a third party will come with one USB/serial cable that has extra wires, possibly with some small circuits like yours, that do the radio connection, CW and PTT simultaneously Rumlog does software CW with KX3 but I don't know how well. Did you run KX3 standalone in the Oceania contest? I worked in Oceania CW last year as VK2/NO9E. Worked some 180 QSOs in 2-3 hrs using IC7000+ long wires. Got up last Sunday morning (6 AM GMT) and worked 15 stations with K3. Amp needed. 73, Ignacy On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 2:44 PM, Matt Maguire vk2...@gmail.com wrote: On 18/10/2012, at 1:06 AM, Ignacy n...@arrl.net wrote: I own both K3 and KX3. K3 is mature radio. Works very well. But the design is a few years old. KX3 is new radio with new design. ... The contest programs cannot easily send CW without extra hardware (with exceptions). I actually used N1MM with the KX3 in the Oceania DX CW contest last weekend (and in the Oceania DX SSB contest the weekend before). It was the first time I had used a contesting program to generate CW, and I discovered that N1MM is a powerful program. To get it to work with the KX3, all that was required was a trivial circuit with just a single transistor and single resistor, which is pretty easy. In the end I'll probably get a Winkeyer or similar, but the simple transistor interface was a quick and easy way to get on the air and give automated CW contesting a go. 73, Matt VK2ACL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564245.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
The K2/100 is a nice entry level station - good ears and a price point about $900 less than a K3/100. I have both the k2/100 and a KX3. For the same reason that Duane says, it is nice to have the 100w amp. If one chooses the KX3, one can build a Juma 100w amp for about 420 euros. A fellow ham has built one and it appears to work very well. Ariel NY4G Sent from my iPad On Oct 17, 2012, at 2:59 PM, tom betka tcbe...@hotmail.com wrote: Hi Duane, Yes, I agree about the 100-watt amplifier option. A guy wouldn't have to use it if it wasn't needed, but if it is needed it will sure be nice to have it. So it indeed seems to be a prudent investment at this point, even if it adds more to the initial cost than I initially planned. I guess it also saves the trouble of adding it in later... Thanks for the post. TB From: bw...@fastmail.fm To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:57:20 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3 Hi Tom, I'm still running a barefoot K2 (cw only) with an amp I can add on when needed. After reading your last post (below) I agree with you that is sounds like good logic to outfit yourself with a radio that you can immediately have fun with. So the SSB mode and additional CW mode sounds like it would support that well. On the question of whether to have more than QRP wattage, I can only relate that I love to see the K2 working a station barefoot. However, there are those times when I've connected with a station that I'm really excited about, and that station is struggling to get reliable copy. Its wonderful at times like that to be able to flip a switch and bring up my signal. I had just that situation the other night and the station thanked me for turning on the amp. It might set your wallet back a little on the temporary. But when you have it, you may be glad you opted for the 100-watts up front. :) Duane - N1BBR __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I used RUMped with native KX3 CW support for the AZ Qso Party and it works really well. I also use it with RUMlog for daily use. Bob AF9W On Oct 17, 2012, at 12:12 PM, Ignacy wrote: Matt, Did you use a separate USB/serial cable? Perhaps, a third party will come with one USB/serial cable that has extra wires, possibly with some small circuits like yours, that do the radio connection, CW and PTT simultaneously Rumlog does software CW with KX3 but I don't know how well. Did you run KX3 standalone in the Oceania contest? I worked in Oceania CW last year as VK2/NO9E. Worked some 180 QSOs in 2-3 hrs using IC7000+ long wires. Got up last Sunday morning (6 AM GMT) and worked 15 stations with K3. Amp needed. 73, Ignacy On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 2:44 PM, Matt Maguire vk2...@gmail.com wrote: On 18/10/2012, at 1:06 AM, Ignacy n...@arrl.net wrote: I own both K3 and KX3. K3 is mature radio. Works very well. But the design is a few years old. KX3 is new radio with new design. ... The contest programs cannot easily send CW without extra hardware (with exceptions). I actually used N1MM with the KX3 in the Oceania DX CW contest last weekend (and in the Oceania DX SSB contest the weekend before). It was the first time I had used a contesting program to generate CW, and I discovered that N1MM is a powerful program. To get it to work with the KX3, all that was required was a trivial circuit with just a single transistor and single resistor, which is pretty easy. In the end I'll probably get a Winkeyer or similar, but the simple transistor interface was a quick and easy way to get on the air and give automated CW contesting a go. 73, Matt VK2ACL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208p7564245.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 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Both are fine rigs, and you would be happy with either, from an operating point of view. I feeling is it all depends upon what your goals in ham radio are - what do you want to be able to do. If you might be doing portable, hiking, DXpeditons, traveling and yes, in the car, I think the KX3 is the rig to go. The K3 is great on performance but the size would lose in the end. From a performance point of view the K3 probably has a lead over the KX3 but I gotta say, I am extremely impressed with the performance of the KX3 to date, For me, the KX3 wins - because I can do so much more with it and I believe I am not sacrificing performance wrt to the K3. I do a lot of traveling and the KX3 is the ticket. But, if I were to have just a rig for the house, never move it, I think I would still go for the KX3. Mike Herr WA6ARA DM-15dp Home of The QRP Ranch __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
You are going to get a ton of answers but here's my take (and I own both). It all depends on what you want to do. I would compare it to the choice of a laptop computer vs a desktop or a 5-shot 38 revolver vs a 13-round 45 semi-auto. Either one will get the job done but they have different pros and cons. If you want a light weight, low power consumption rig that is really easy to move around, the KX3 is better. It is perfect for hikers, campers, backyard operators, battery power and all-around fun with much better performance than the typical trail rig. Not so sure how that will change once you add the 100w amplifier. I suspect it and the larger power supply will be more of a desktop profile at that point but without the additional performance of the K3. If you want maximum flexibility, more power, more features you go for a desktop. The K3 has become the standard by which all other contest quality rigs are measured. Some of them are as big as suitcases. The K3 is small by comparison but it is lunchbox-sized compared to the KX3 which is more the size of a VHS tape. Either one is an excellent choice but you wouldn't want to haul a desktop up a mountain and you wouldn't want to use a laptop to do high resolution gaming, video editing or multiple DVD burning. So, ask yourself, what do you want to do? Most will say you need both. Buck k4ia On 10/16/2012 4:22 PM, KF9QL wrote: Hello all, Tom here. I am new to all-things Elecraft and have been looking at the K3 vs KX3 options. I spoke with David at Elecraft this morning, and he was most helpful. He also suggested that I post here to ask for opinions. I've also been searching the forum archive as well, and will continue those efforts. I apologize in advance for a lengthy first post, as this not my usual level of verbosity... I have been a HAM for 25 years now, but inactive for the past several years--and now getting back into things. I recently retired from practicing medicine due to a medical disability, and have earned a degree in Computer Science and started a small technology company out of a home office. My current project involves a biomedical device that can work as a remote monitor of a subject's status. Basically, I am trying to meet two needs here I suppose: Re-kindle my HAM radio hobby, and learn more about digital data transmission with an eye towards using HAM radio to help in that effort. As my level of knowledge about electronics is growing daily, I have been considering a build of either a K3 or a KX3. The radio would be used in my home shack, but I would also like to make it somewhat mobile in an RV...or even a normal auto. Obviously the KX3 is supremely qualified for this purpose, but I think the K3 probably is as well. And of course the K3 has much a greater potential for future expansion and capability. But to get started, it appears that it is very hard to beat the features and price point of the KX3. So I guess what I am looking for is a bit of advice from experienced owners/users on which might be the better choice for me? I understand that the 100w amplifier intended for the KX3 is not yet in production--but of course that will change. My intention will also be to add in a 2m module at some point, and I understand that the KX3 module for 2m is not yet available either. However again, these things will change--and one can always find a small amplifier to use with the KX3 in the meantime. The price for a K3 build would be $500-1000 more than that for a KX3, but if this is my primary radio...is that money well-spent at this point? Also, in terms of possible research activities using digital data transmission, would the K3 be clearly superior to the KX3? David told me about the accessory in/out ports on the K3, which would indeed be convenient. However the size of the KX3 is very attractive for possible field-work, so it has that going for it--and having to use the main mic port is not the end of the world. But still, the K3 really isn't unwieldy by any stretch, so the size differential between the two might not even be an issue at all. Anyway, I would appreciate whatever advice folks are willing to offer. I anticipate making a purchase sometime in the next 1-2 weeks, and have been reading everything I can find, and watching every YouTube video I can come across on either of these two units. Thanks in advance for the help! KF9QL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
The price for a K3 build would be $500-1000 more than that for a KX3, but if this is my primary radio...is that money well-spent at this point? Absolutely. Unless you are looking for a trail/backpack radio, the added flexibility, features and user interface of the K3 is hands down superior to the KX3. Also, in terms of possible research activities using digital data transmission, would the K3 be clearly superior to the KX3? Yes, with its dedicated line out and line in capability - including an independent digital to analog converter for data out - the K3 is vastly superior to the KX3 for digital work. Note however, I would not be using any amateur rig for commercial experimentation as you will likely want to be working at UHF or low SHF for the short to medium range medical data communications. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/16/2012 4:22 PM, KF9QL wrote: Hello all, Tom here. I am new to all-things Elecraft and have been looking at the K3 vs KX3 options. I spoke with David at Elecraft this morning, and he was most helpful. He also suggested that I post here to ask for opinions. I've also been searching the forum archive as well, and will continue those efforts. I apologize in advance for a lengthy first post, as this not my usual level of verbosity... I have been a HAM for 25 years now, but inactive for the past several years--and now getting back into things. I recently retired from practicing medicine due to a medical disability, and have earned a degree in Computer Science and started a small technology company out of a home office. My current project involves a biomedical device that can work as a remote monitor of a subject's status. Basically, I am trying to meet two needs here I suppose: Re-kindle my HAM radio hobby, and learn more about digital data transmission with an eye towards using HAM radio to help in that effort. As my level of knowledge about electronics is growing daily, I have been considering a build of either a K3 or a KX3. The radio would be used in my home shack, but I would also like to make it somewhat mobile in an RV...or even a normal auto. Obviously the KX3 is supremely qualified for this purpose, but I think the K3 probably is as well. And of course the K3 has much a greater potential for future expansion and capability. But to get started, it appears that it is very hard to beat the features and price point of the KX3. So I guess what I am looking for is a bit of advice from experienced owners/users on which might be the better choice for me? I understand that the 100w amplifier intended for the KX3 is not yet in production--but of course that will change. My intention will also be to add in a 2m module at some point, and I understand that the KX3 module for 2m is not yet available either. However again, these things will change--and one can always find a small amplifier to use with the KX3 in the meantime. The price for a K3 build would be $500-1000 more than that for a KX3, but if this is my primary radio...is that money well-spent at this point? Also, in terms of possible research activities using digital data transmission, would the K3 be clearly superior to the KX3? David told me about the accessory in/out ports on the K3, which would indeed be convenient. However the size of the KX3 is very attractive for possible field-work, so it has that going for it--and having to use the main mic port is not the end of the world. But still, the K3 really isn't unwieldy by any stretch, so the size differential between the two might not even be an issue at all. Anyway, I would appreciate whatever advice folks are willing to offer. I anticipate making a purchase sometime in the next 1-2 weeks, and have been reading everything I can find, and watching every YouTube video I can come across on either of these two units. Thanks in advance for the help! KF9QL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208.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 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 5:27 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: Absolutely. Unless you are looking for a trail/backpack radio, the added flexibility, features and user interface of the K3 is hands down superior to the KX3. While the features and UI on the K3 are clearly more extensive, don't confuse that with it being a better rig for all but trail/backpack use. Elecraft already has a rig that's probably better for trail/backpacking: the KX1 (though it's not as full-featured). The KX3 may still win for those wanting a: - rig with a simple user interface and few controls - rig to run as a base station on solar power - rig to run in confined quarters (like my tiny shack...) - vacation rig - mobile rig As many have pointed out, step 1 is figure out what you want to do. For me, if the rig was staying put in the shack, the K3 would be the answer. If I envisioned it moving about from time to time - camping, vacation, mobile, trailer, etc... - then the KX3 would be it. If you want to focus strictly on performance, go K3. But the KX3 is no slouch. Buck's desktop/laptop analogy is a good one. --Andrew, NV1B maineware.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Tom, So far I think you have gotten some good advice and opinions but I would add one more vote for the K3 as being the first of hopefully many Elecraft radios you will own. I own both the K3 and the KX3. But, I am still very new to the KX3, just finished putting it together 4 days ago. I am still learning how this thing works. And, I like this new KX3 as much as I like all my other radios but if it came to a choice between the KX3 and the K3 I would stick with the K3. But, of course, owning both is far superior. The only real question after you buy your K3, is what is next in the pipeline of Elecraft equipment. A K3 by itself seems too lonely. Owning a K-line is so much better and if you are new to all things Elecraft, a K-line is typically considered the K3 with the addition of P3 (I think so) plus a KPA500 and soon a KAT500. However, no matter which one you get (first), you are not making a mistake. 73, phil, K7PEH On Oct 16, 2012, at 1:22 PM, KF9QL tcbe...@hotmail.com wrote: Hello all, Tom here. I am new to all-things Elecraft and have been looking at the K3 vs KX3 options. I spoke with David at Elecraft this morning, and he was most helpful. He also suggested that I post here to ask for opinions. I've also been searching the forum archive as well, and will continue those efforts. I apologize in advance for a lengthy first post, as this not my usual level of verbosity... I have been a HAM for 25 years now, but inactive for the past several years--and now getting back into things. I recently retired from practicing medicine due to a medical disability, and have earned a degree in Computer Science and started a small technology company out of a home office. My current project involves a biomedical device that can work as a remote monitor of a subject's status. Basically, I am trying to meet two needs here I suppose: Re-kindle my HAM radio hobby, and learn more about digital data transmission with an eye towards using HAM radio to help in that effort. As my level of knowledge about electronics is growing daily, I have been considering a build of either a K3 or a KX3. The radio would be used in my home shack, but I would also like to make it somewhat mobile in an RV...or even a normal auto. Obviously the KX3 is supremely qualified for this purpose, but I think the K3 probably is as well. And of course the K3 has much a greater potential for future expansion and capability. But to get started, it appears that it is very hard to beat the features and price point of the KX3. So I guess what I am looking for is a bit of advice from experienced owners/users on which might be the better choice for me? I understand that the 100w amplifier intended for the KX3 is not yet in production--but of course that will change. My intention will also be to add in a 2m module at some point, and I understand that the KX3 module for 2m is not yet available either. However again, these things will change--and one can always find a small amplifier to use with the KX3 in the meantime. The price for a K3 build would be $500-1000 more than that for a KX3, but if this is my primary radio...is that money well-spent at this point? Also, in terms of possible research activities using digital data transmission, would the K3 be clearly superior to the KX3? David told me about the accessory in/out ports on the K3, which would indeed be convenient. However the size of the KX3 is very attractive for possible field-work, so it has that going for it--and having to use the main mic port is not the end of the world. But still, the K3 really isn't unwieldy by any stretch, so the size differential between the two might not even be an issue at all. Anyway, I would appreciate whatever advice folks are willing to offer. I anticipate making a purchase sometime in the next 1-2 weeks, and have been reading everything I can find, and watching every YouTube video I can come across on either of these two units. Thanks in advance for the help! KF9QL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208.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 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Thanks Phil... I agree that the K3 does indeed seem like the way to go at this point, and the extra $$ is probably money well-spent. But that leaves me with another dilemma...how to outfit the K3? Here's the basic order I came up with today. After talking David at Elecraft, I added the 100w power amplifier which kicks price up $450. But my question...is that really needed at first. I guess David's point (which seemed very valid when we talked) was that I should spend the extra money on the 100w amp, instead of some stuff for CW that I was going to opt for instead. I have never really practiced much CW to be honest, and would like to learn it. However David advised that it would be more important to get phone up running, and working well--and THEN add on CW in the future. After considering his advice more today I think it's very sound indeed--and therefore was probably looking at this build list: Elecraft K3 item# item descriptionunit price-K3/100 K3 100W Xcvr. (Modular Kit) $1999.95(10w = 1549.95)KUSB Univ. Ser Bus Adapt.$39.95KXSER K144XV Serial Cable freeMH3 MH3 Hand Mic$59.95 KAT3Internal Tuner $299.95=== TOTAL $2399.80 (10w = $1949.80) Although it's a bit more than I was planning to spend initially, the 100-watt amp is an affordable add-on in the initial build. So it would be do-able. For comparison, if I were to go with a KX3 and leave off the CW components, the gear would come in at just under $1350--but of course that doesn't include a 100-watt amplifier, as they are not yet available for that radio. So it really isn't an apples-to-apples comparison at all...unless you simply consider the 10-watt K3 build. In that case it would be about $600 more for the K3, and I think it's been well-established that this extra money would be well-spent given that this would be my only HF rig. Anyway, I'll hopefully be looking at Duane's K3 tomorrow if all goes well. Then I can make the final decision after that, and get moving. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. It's very reassuring to draw on the wealth of experience that's so obvious in the users here. Tom 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I am a new ham (22 months) and own both radio models (actually two K3s and one KX3) and they are fantastic radios. However if I was to choose one over the other it would be the K3 over the KX3. For reasons already cited including modular flexibility and tailor-ability, my built in 100W KPA100, multiple configuration with roofing filters that you choose, real dual receiver, product maturity, light weight and smallish size, and for ease of use for digital modes I would definitely pick the K3. I use the KX3 in my truck and down the road i plan to take it on my business trips that require more air travel. It is an amazing portable rig but I am biased towards my K3s. They are a special breed of transceiver. The ability to configure them to your operating style is what I think is amazing. Mass customization is MBA business strategy material and something we talked about 15 years ago in grad school and Elecraft has mastered this concept in the K3. Either way you go you will likely be very happy. One last note...when I come home from a long week of business travel, I greet the wife and hold my new baby, say hi to the pups, and then when they are all sleeping I head to the shack to see my two friends K3, 1391 and 1526. And i know that all is good at the Heimbold house. Keith AG6AZ Keith AG6AZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Oct 16, 2012, at 1:23 PM, KF9QL tcbe...@hotmail.com wrote: Hello all, Tom here. I am new to all-things Elecraft and have been looking at the K3 vs KX3 options. I spoke with David at Elecraft this morning, and he was most helpful. He also suggested that I post here to ask for opinions. I've also been searching the forum archive as well, and will continue those efforts. I apologize in advance for a lengthy first post, as this not my usual level of verbosity... I have been a HAM for 25 years now, but inactive for the past several years--and now getting back into things. I recently retired from practicing medicine due to a medical disability, and have earned a degree in Computer Science and started a small technology company out of a home office. My current project involves a biomedical device that can work as a remote monitor of a subject's status. Basically, I am trying to meet two needs here I suppose: Re-kindle my HAM radio hobby, and learn more about digital data transmission with an eye towards using HAM radio to help in that effort. As my level of knowledge about electronics is growing daily, I have been considering a build of either a K3 or a KX3. The radio would be used in my home shack, but I would also like to make it somewhat mobile in an RV...or even a normal auto. Obviously the KX3 is supremely qualified for this purpose, but I think the K3 probably is as well. And of course the K3 has much a greater potential for future expansion and capability. But to get started, it appears that it is very hard to beat the features and price point of the KX3. So I guess what I am looking for is a bit of advice from experienced owners/users on which might be the better choice for me? I understand that the 100w amplifier intended for the KX3 is not yet in production--but of course that will change. My intention will also be to add in a 2m module at some point, and I understand that the KX3 module for 2m is not yet available either. However again, these things will change--and one can always find a small amplifier to use with the KX3 in the meantime. The price for a K3 build would be $500-1000 more than that for a KX3, but if this is my primary radio...is that money well-spent at this point? Also, in terms of possible research activities using digital data transmission, would the K3 be clearly superior to the KX3? David told me about the accessory in/out ports on the K3, which would indeed be convenient. However the size of the KX3 is very attractive for possible field-work, so it has that going for it--and having to use the main mic port is not the end of the world. But still, the K3 really isn't unwieldy by any stretch, so the size differential between the two might not even be an issue at all. Anyway, I would appreciate whatever advice folks are willing to offer. I anticipate making a purchase sometime in the next 1-2 weeks, and have been reading everything I can find, and watching every YouTube video I can come across on either of these two units. Thanks in advance for the help! KF9QL -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Elecraft-newbie-considering-K3-vs-KX3-tp7564208.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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
I have a base (12 watt) K3 and find 5 watts quite adequate for my mostly PSK operation. With the sunspots the way they are, I can reach the south Pacific on a good night. Narrow band modes like CW and PSK work well with low power. I spent my extra cash on the T1 tuner, the 2M option, the FM filter, and the 250Hz filter. I also have the Elecraft cool aid running in my blood so I have a P3 on order. My plan is to move up to 100 watts when the sunspots die down. Right now I'm having too much fun with QRP. OTOH, I have had trouble being heard on the Elecraft SSB net. But that's a wide band mode. Perhaps if I aimed my dipole toward Oregon instead of Rhode Island it would work better. :-) The choice between K3 and KX3 was easy for me. The K3 was being delivered. :-) Cheers - Bill On 10/16/12 at 5:27 PM, tcbe...@hotmail.com (tom betka) wrote: Here's the basic order I came up with today. After talking David at Elecraft, I added the 100w power amplifier which kicks price up $450. But my question...is that really needed at first. --- Bill Frantz| I wish there was a knob on the TV to turn up the 408-356-8506 | intelligence. There's a knob called brightness, but www.pwpconsult.com | it doesn't work. -- Gallagher __ 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] Elecraft newbie considering K3 vs KX3
Hi Tom, What are this CW stuff you are talking about below? If it is narrow roofing filters for CW, then I think you can definitely leave these off until later, and just rely on the K3 DSP filtering for now. I think the only thing you really need to add to a basic K3 in order to do CW is a paddle. I suggest the Bencher BY-1 is a good entry-level paddle that is inexpensive but works FB. By adding the 100W amp now, it will be easier to make contacts and build your CW skills. If you are thinking of getting a K3, then grab a copy of Fred Cady's ebook on the K3 from Lulu (it is cheap, especially if you use one of the readily available discount vouchers). 73, Matt VK2ACL On Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 11:27 AM, tom betka tcbe...@hotmail.com wrote: Thanks Phil... I agree that the K3 does indeed seem like the way to go at this point, and the extra $$ is probably money well-spent. But that leaves me with another dilemma...how to outfit the K3? Here's the basic order I came up with today. After talking David at Elecraft, I added the 100w power amplifier which kicks price up $450. But my question...is that really needed at first. I guess David's point (which seemed very valid when we talked) was that I should spend the extra money on the 100w amp, instead of some stuff for CW that I was going to opt for instead. I have never really practiced much CW to be honest, and would like to learn it. However David advised that it would be more important to get phone up running, and working well--and THEN add on CW in the future. After considering his advice more today I think it's very sound indeed--and therefore was probably looking at this build list: Elecraft K3 item# item descriptionunit price-K3/100 K3 100W Xcvr. (Modular Kit) $1999.95(10w = 1549.95)KUSB Univ. Ser Bus Adapt. $39.95KXSER K144XV Serial Cable free MH3 MH3 Hand Mic$59.95 KAT3Internal Tuner $299.95=== TOTAL $2399.80 (10w = $1949.80) Although it's a bit more than I was planning to spend initially, the 100-watt amp is an affordable add-on in the initial build. So it would be do-able. For comparison, if I were to go with a KX3 and leave off the CW components, the gear would come in at just under $1350--but of course that doesn't include a 100-watt amplifier, as they are not yet available for that radio. So it really isn't an apples-to-apples comparison at all...unless you simply consider the 10-watt K3 build. In that case it would be about $600 more for the K3, and I think it's been well-established that this extra money would be well-spent given that this would be my only HF rig. Anyway, I'll hopefully be looking at Duane's K3 tomorrow if all goes well. Then I can make the final decision after that, and get moving. Thanks again to everyone for the advice. It's very reassuring to draw on the wealth of experience that's so obvious in the users here. Tom 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
