Re: [Elecraft] Options for KX3
Phil, I would order the radio with mic and ATU. There are only 2 more real options, an additional filter and realtime clock with battery charger. I have all of it in mine plus a few 3rd party supplied options, however, I don't use the internal batteries and clock nor the additional filter as I use the 8KHz receive offset. everything else is already included. Even though you own an LDG ATU, I would still recommend the built in ATU. It is more flexible and is integrated nicely as a part of the system. 73, Barry K3NDM -- Original Message -- From: "Phillip Zminda" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: 3/19/2016 8:48:08 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Options for KX3 I am considering selling off my FLEX-1500 and Ten-Tec Argonaut VI to buy a KX3. It will mostly be used for vacations, Field Day or park and backyard portable. I will mostly use resonant antennas and do have an LDG Z-11Pro tuner (has internal batteries) which could be used, so not sure about the internal tuner and may eventually get the amp too. I mostly operate CW and some WSPR/JT-65HF and have a portable paddle. What options will I need for my types of operating? I am trying to not max out my budget. Thanks, Phil N3ZP __ 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 k3...@comcast.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] Options for KX3
On Sat,3/19/2016 9:16 AM, Barry LaZar wrote: I would order the radio with mic and ATU. I would skip the mic. QRP SSB can exercise in frustration, even with very good antennas. If you must use a mic, I would go for a compact computer headset and a break-out cable to split the mic to the KX3 mic input and the headphones to the headphone input. These cables can be found o the internet for about $5. Buy the headset on the basis of comfort and light weight. At home, use a Yamaha CM500 or similar Koss with that same adapter cable. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Options for KX3
I agree with Jim’s comment. When I operate portable with my KX3, I use my iPhone headset for my ears. It has a mic of course built in but I never use it as I am CW only with the KX3 in portable ops QRP. I don’t always operate true QRP (5 watts) but prefer to operate what I would call KX3 QRP at 10 watts using my external lithium battery packs. I do have the Elecraft mic though. But, minimizing cost was not my goal, instead my goal is to maximum toy collection. 73, phil, K7PEH > On Mar 19, 2016, at 11:12 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On Sat,3/19/2016 9:16 AM, Barry LaZar wrote: >> I would order the radio with mic and ATU. > > I would skip the mic. QRP SSB can exercise in frustration, even with very > good antennas. If you must use a mic, I would go for a compact computer > headset and a break-out cable to split the mic to the KX3 mic input and the > headphones to the headphone input. These cables can be found o the internet > for about $5. Buy the headset on the basis of comfort and light weight. At > home, use a Yamaha CM500 or similar Koss with that same adapter cable. > > 73, Jim K9YC > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > 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] Options for KX3
I agree on the Mic and ATU, Phil. Not using an outboard ATU is a good thing for portability, and the Mic is a very good one. The filter is also a good thing to have especially if you are near strong signals, so I'd get that, too. Internal batteries: Depends on if you plan to always carry external power source or not. 73, Phil W7OX On 3/19/16 9:16 AM, Barry LaZar wrote: Phil, I would order the radio with mic and ATU. There are only 2 more real options, an additional filter and realtime clock with battery charger. I have all of it in mine plus a few 3rd party supplied options, however, I don't use the internal batteries and clock nor the additional filter as I use the 8KHz receive offset. everything else is already included. Even though you own an LDG ATU, I would still recommend the built in ATU. It is more flexible and is integrated nicely as a part of the system. 73, Barry K3NDM -- Original Message -- From: "Phillip Zminda" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: 3/19/2016 8:48:08 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Options for KX3 I am considering selling off my FLEX-1500 and Ten-Tec Argonaut VI to buy a KX3. It will mostly be used for vacations, Field Day or park and backyard portable. I will mostly use resonant antennas and do have an LDG Z-11Pro tuner (has internal batteries) which could be used, so not sure about the internal tuner and may eventually get the amp too. I mostly operate CW and some WSPR/JT-65HF and have a portable paddle. What options will I need for my types of operating? I am trying to not max out my budget. Thanks, Phil N3ZP __ 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] Options for KX3
I’ve had a lot of fun on QRP SSB with nothing more than a Buddipole vertical or end-fed wire on 20 thru 10 when the bands are good. It’s more about “persistence” than “frustration” ;-) I do usually run a whole humongous 10-12 watts as long as the battery holds out, and that makes some difference. Occasionally, a DX or other station of interest (with a heart) will actually ask for QRP mobile stations to give us a break. In any case, a headset/mic is a good idea, and I do use a CM500 with my KX3 occasionally, but I just don’t like sitting outside on a nice day buried in headphones. And I wouldn’t want that to be the only option. Probably 75% of the time I use the Elecraft mic and a small (self contained battery) powered speaker thingy from Best Buy. Makes the time a whole lot more pleasant … which for me is the whole point since I’m not a DX hound on QRP (or anything else) unless it just falls into my lap. Besides, when there’s a rare one, you really have virtually no chance breaking through the bedlam and the guys running their 2 by 3CX15000 amps who invariably jump in for the 3rd time that day to say hello .. again .. and then rag on to “update” the DX (and everyone else) about how bad their sore toe feels or what they had for lunch. (What’s with those guys anyway?) Now if you’re trying to run stations on SOTA/NPOTA/whatever .. different story, obviously. The hand mic won’t impact your retirement plan, and you may be happy you have one, now or later. Grant NQ5T K3 #2091, KX3 #8342 > > I would skip the mic. QRP SSB can exercise in frustration, even with very > good antennas. If you must use a mic, I would go for a compact computer > headset and a break-out cable to split the mic to the KX3 mic input and the > headphones to the headphone input. These cables can be found o the internet > for about $5. Buy the headset on the basis of comfort and light weight. At > home, use a Yamaha CM500 or similar Koss with that same adapter cable. > __ 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] Options for KX3
I have all the options plus big heat sink and the side handles/cover (purchased after the front got scratched in my day pack. In order of usefulness: Antenna tuner (integrated very well with radio) works well with random length wires when portable. Filter (a must have for field day operation but only used then) Hand mike (even smaller/lighter would be better when portable) never use the up/down buttons. Battery option (only used to extend my portable operating time when my external Lipro battery runs down). John K7JLT __ 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] Options for KX3
Thanks for all the comments on choice of options. I still need to sell my FLEX and Argonaut first but I have some definite ideas on how to order my KX3. The best thing I have learned about Elecraft products after owning a K2 and K3 is that whatever options you didn’t get on the original order, they are easy to add later. This list is a great resource whenever a question arises. I appreciate all the responses. Thanks to all. Phil N3ZP __ 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
