A confession
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I think Chris summarizes the issue pretty good.
Gary, it kind sounds like you have not taken the time necessary to really get familiar with your K3 (excuse me if this is incorrect). I found it took me about three weeks of playing and reading the manual until I became "fairly" comfortable with using the features (only some, not all) of the K3. The Fred Caty manual had not been written so this was a little more difficult on some topics and features, but I figured them out with a little time tinkering and reading. This list is a great resource of knowledge, too! The K3 does require more time to become versed in its abilities and that can try one's patience if just wanting to "plug n play". I bought my K3/10 as a kit so had that process before even turning it on. So take it out of the box and connect an antenna, with hopefully Fred's manual at hand, just step thru the pages of the manual and try some of the stuff he writes. Great way to get more familiar with the radio. You might want to skip some chapters if not particular to your interests. Give the radio some time and do compare it on the air with the TS-590. I haven't had my hands on the TS-590 but I suspect you will develop an appreciation for the K3. When I chose the K3 it was after several years of studying the literature and comments. I came from having a TS-180 in 1980, TenTec 505 Argonaut, TS-50, FT-840 (liked that one), and FT-847 (great VHF/UHF but disappointing on HF). I also acquired the FT-817 when it came out. Being active in eme on VHF+, I needed a good CW radio and a transverter friendly radio and that brought me to the K3/10. The fact that is a SDR means I do not have to shell out more money every 2-3 years for the latest advances in radio technology (so far this has been true). I sold my FT-847 to raise cash for a 222 and 432 transverter and finally sold the FT-817 in favor of the KX3. With addition of the 2M module the KX3 will have pretty much replaced what I used with the FT-817. To purchase my K3 I had to promise my wife that this would be the last big ham purchase "in my life" as we entered retirement (and reduced income). Yeah, I lied, but she understands (thankfully). But I can say the K3 is fulfilling that promise since buying it four years ago. Elecraft is unique in providing equipment support and upgrades (via firmware). And upgrading is purely voluntary on your part, so you do not have to if not interested. Finally, there is a lot of new stuff going on in ham radio if you look, so if the "same old stuff' has gotten boring, take a look at some of the digital modes, soundcard programs, come up to VHF/mw or down to MW and LF. Try building some stuff - can be fun! Get out of the house and go portable/mobile. You get the idea. Gary, come back in a few weeks and tells how it goes! 73, Ed - KL7UW 600m to 3cm --------------------------------- From: "Chris Pickett" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] A confession Message-ID: <007EA2BDBDB947DFB83C34C81959B1E5@chrisshack> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Gary, Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and play, play and play some more to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so practice what has been preached. Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market today) for back up or field day. Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples. Very 73 Chris M5LRO 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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And as I said in a private message to him... Fred's book is a godsend to those that just got an Elecraft K3 or KX3...
KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them! ________________________________ From: Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Sent: Monday, February 10, 2014 2:03 PM Subject: [Elecraft] A confession I think Chris summarizes the issue pretty good. Gary, it kind sounds like you have not taken the time necessary to really get familiar with your K3 (excuse me if this is incorrect). I found it took me about three weeks of playing and reading the manual until I became "fairly" comfortable with using the features (only some, not all) of the K3. The Fred Caty manual had not been written so this was a little more difficult on some topics and features, but I figured them out with a little time tinkering and reading. This list is a great resource of knowledge, too! The K3 does require more time to become versed in its abilities and that can try one's patience if just wanting to "plug n play". I bought my K3/10 as a kit so had that process before even turning it on. So take it out of the box and connect an antenna, with hopefully Fred's manual at hand, just step thru the pages of the manual and try some of the stuff he writes. Great way to get more familiar with the radio. You might want to skip some chapters if not particular to your interests. Give the radio some time and do compare it on the air with the TS-590. I haven't had my hands on the TS-590 but I suspect you will develop an appreciation for the K3. When I chose the K3 it was after several years of studying the literature and comments. I came from having a TS-180 in 1980, TenTec 505 Argonaut, TS-50, FT-840 (liked that one), and FT-847 (great VHF/UHF but disappointing on HF). I also acquired the FT-817 when it came out. Being active in eme on VHF+, I needed a good CW radio and a transverter friendly radio and that brought me to the K3/10. The fact that is a SDR means I do not have to shell out more money every 2-3 years for the latest advances in radio technology (so far this has been true). I sold my FT-847 to raise cash for a 222 and 432 transverter and finally sold the FT-817 in favor of the KX3. With addition of the 2M module the KX3 will have pretty much replaced what I used with the FT-817. To purchase my K3 I had to promise my wife that this would be the last big ham purchase "in my life" as we entered retirement (and reduced income). Yeah, I lied, but she understands (thankfully). But I can say the K3 is fulfilling that promise since buying it four years ago. Elecraft is unique in providing equipment support and upgrades (via firmware). And upgrading is purely voluntary on your part, so you do not have to if not interested. Finally, there is a lot of new stuff going on in ham radio if you look, so if the "same old stuff' has gotten boring, take a look at some of the digital modes, soundcard programs, come up to VHF/mw or down to MW and LF. Try building some stuff - can be fun! Get out of the house and go portable/mobile. You get the idea. Gary, come back in a few weeks and tells how it goes! 73, Ed - KL7UW 600m to 3cm --------------------------------- From: "Chris Pickett" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Subject: [Elecraft] A confession Message-ID: <007EA2BDBDB947DFB83C34C81959B1E5@chrisshack> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Gary, Take time out, study the manual learn to embrace the modern features and play, play and play some more to learn your way around. You have taken the tests, passed the exams etc so practice what has been preached. Get rid of the big rice box, keep the TS590s (best value on the ham market today) for back up or field day. Then just fall in love with your K3 - simples. Very 73 Chris M5LRO 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[hidden email] 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:[hidden email] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html |
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