Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

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Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Arlen Fletcher
I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of significant interest at this point.

Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options for a brand new K3/100?

Thanks in advance!

73, Arlen, N7YIM
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Dave Hachadorian-2
Given the casual usage you describe, I don't think you need any
options.  You can always install filters, etc., later, if you
find a need develops. If any of your loads (amplifiers, antennas)
are over 2:1 SWR, you will want the tuner.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Arlen Fletcher
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2014 1:25 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS
returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There
are a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and
I'm a total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3
owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about
the digital modes, though CW isn't of significant interest at
this point.

Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three
options for a brand new K3/100?

Thanks in advance!

73, Arlen, N7YIM
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Art Hejduk
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Arlen,

I agree with Dave about not needing any options.  When I purchased my kit,
I only added the 400Hz filter, but I do mostly CW.  Later, I added the
KXV3A for the RX antenna feature so I could keep my MFJ-1026 noise canceler
out of the XMIT path.  A while later, I added the 13kHz filter when the
firmware was updated to allow this filter to be used for AM transmission.
 I don't use it much, but I figured it was worth it to add both AM and FM
capability by adding just one filter.  Good luck with your new rig.

73,
Art  WB8ENE


On Thu, Feb 20, 2014 at 3:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher <[hidden email]>wrote:

> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns
> the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of
> options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie, so
> I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily
> and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of
> significant interest at this point.
>
> Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options
> for a brand new K3/100?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> 73, Arlen, N7YIM
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Arlen,

If you are planning to chase DX as your primary focus, you may want to
add the KRX3 option so you can listen to both the DX and the pileup when
running split.
If you want a visual display of the band with the P3 or other
non-Elecraft panadapter, you will want the KXV3A option.

As for filters, since you are primarily SSB, I would suggest that you
initially will not need anything other than the stock filters, but if
you decide on the KRX3, either order the matched 2.7 kHz filters or
order the 2.8 kHz filter substitute so you do not have to be concerned
about the filter offsets.

Unless you have all resonant antennas (or are planning to use an
amplifier), I would suggest the KAT3 option as well.

OK, that is 3 options suggested.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/20/2014 3:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher wrote:

> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS
> returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are
> a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a
> total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan
> to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes,
> though CW isn't of significant interest at this point.
>
> Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three
> options for a brand new K3/100?
>

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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Bill Frantz
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Others have given you good advice. The important thing to
remember is that options can always be added later. In that
sense, the K3 is a Barbie Doll. Or at least that's what I tell
my XYL. :-)

I have found a narrow filter -- mine is the 250Hz -- can help
isolate a single PSK station, but is only rarely better than the
filter built into the standard DSP. It can also help in a RTTY contest.

I got the 2M internal transverter which I use for FM simplex and
repeaters. With 20-20 hind sight, I should have just gotten a
Icom/Kenwood/Yaesu radio, which would have given me 70cm.
However I'm set for 2M DX when the urge strikes. And with the
13KHz filter I worked that AM station on 15M to be able to say I
had worked AM.

I only recently added the 100 watt option and am now interested
in the tuner.

I have a P3 and consider it to be the most valuable option on
the radio. The second receiver would be nice, but the P3 usually
lets me see where there is space in a pileup. I can spot an
active DX station on the waterfall by looking at the changes in
signal strength. If the station is working split, I can usually
find the DX by looking down-band from the pileup.

Cheers - Bill, AE6JV

On 2/20/14 at 12:25 PM, [hidden email] (Arlen Fletcher) wrote:

>I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the
>IRS returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013).
>There are a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft
>site, and I'm a total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from
>current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and hope to
>learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of
>significant interest at this point.
>
>Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options for a brand new K3/100?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz        |The nice thing about standards| Periwinkle
(408)356-8506      |is there are so many to choose| 16345
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |from.   - Andrew Tanenbaum    | Los Gatos,
CA 95032

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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
I wasn't a newbie when I bought my K3/100 kit, but I probably have what
you want.

K3
100W amp
"stock" SSB filter
500 Hz CW filter [you could skip this]
KAT3 Auto tuner

I have since added the Digital Voice Recorder/Keyer which, it turns out,
I rarely use.  I was capitalizing on the modularity of the K3 planning
on adding a few things after I got used to it.  Other than the DVR, none
of that has materialized.

All of the filters are roofing filters, designed to keep strong adjacent
signals out of the first mixer.  The differences between them and the
one that comes with the K3 are small.  Slightly sharper skirts, maybe a
little less passband ripple, but probably only noticeable if you have
several stations close to you.  The final bandwidth is set by the DSP
with a knob on the front panel.

I got the tuner because not all of my antennas are resonant, YMMV.

The second receiver is popular, it permits listening on two frequencies
at once and you can use diversity receive with it.  I've used K3's with
it, I don't do SO2R or diversity, and I'm quite happy with the 2 VFO's
in the base K3.

If you are going to use the CAT capability with USB, be sure to get a
USB-Serial adapter with the FTDI chipset.  Mine is the Prolific, it
works just fine, never had any problem with it, but a number of others have.

Easiest way to go digital is 2 stereo cables from Radio Shack connecting
your sound card to the LINE IN/LINE OUT jacks on the back of the K3 in
DATA A mode.  It helps to have a good sound card on the computer, and
you can severely complicate the configuration with other interface
devices, but those 2 cables are all you really need.

VHF/UHF will get you into the transverters.

I think you'll be very happy with the "stock" K3/100 and you can always
add things as you gain experience.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 2/20/2014 12:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher wrote:
> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns
> the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of
> options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie,
> so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX
> primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW
> isn't of significant interest at this point.


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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Rick WA6NHC
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Hi Arlen,

Welcome to the group and the Elecraft Kool Aid.

I will presume that you'll get the tuner, serial interface and perhaps
the TCXO module for digital stability.  I consider that to be a basic
K3/100 (as opposed to a bare K3 with no options).  If you are NOT
planning on those, they are the first three options you should get.  
Otherwise;

If you plan on working much DX, you'll find that unless you build a
mega-station, that you WILL want to work CW (avery high percentage of DX
is on CW only).  That means that you will want at least the 400 KHz
filter, which works well enough for digital as well.  For phone, I like
the 1.8 KHz filter, then the FM/AM filter is you plan on those modes
(hint: 6 and 10 meters has been wide open this week).  Read the
discussion on filters on the Elecraft pages, it'll help.  I have the 5
slots filled (and in the KRX3).

Having the KRX3 sub-receiver is a GREAT tool so you can hear stations
working the DX which gives you a major clue where to transmit.  My
suggestion is that you match the filter sets between receivers (same in
both).  You can also have diversity receive or listen on other bands at
the same time; a pretty handy tool.

The P3 is an absolute KILLER tool for DX hunting.  You can see the DX
AND the stations (pileup), figure out where the DX is listening (watch
the spikes, is there a pattern?) and/or find a quieter slot.  Your time
is better spent and your 'attacks' are more productive.  Once you get a
P3, you'll wonder why you ever went without one and you'll feel blinded
when you don't have one.

With this combination, I've worked 216 countries on a simple dipole in
the last 2.5 years.  Plus a BUNCH of band/modes.  [Ok, the KPA500 helps
but I couldn't use that until I got the KAT500.]

So my suggestions are a full filter set, KRX3 and P3.  It all depends on
how much of a loan you gave Uncle.  ;o)  It isn't cheap but if you want
the best it's worth it.  Besides you won't find the level of support
that you can get from Elecraft.  What you don't get now can be added
later, along with other neat toys like transverters, pre-amps, general
coverage receiver board, SVGA board...

Finally, get the kits, not the factory built.  Not only will you save
money (its easier to build than any Heathkit if you're old enough to
know about that) you will see what is involved should you have to make
an addition, repair or modification.

73,
Rick wa6nhc
a well dressed K3, P3, KPA500, KAT500
On 2/20/2014 12:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher wrote:

> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS
> returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are
> a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a
> total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan
> to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes,
> though CW isn't of significant interest at this point.
>
> Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three
> options for a brand new K3/100?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> 73, Arlen, N7YIM

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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

ve3dvy
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher

 My Humble thoughts   Ive had my K3 for 2 years   can't imagine going
back to my old rig.

here is what I got.
K3/100
with
KAT3 auto tuner
KXV3A RX Ant., IF Out and Xverter Interface
2.8 filter
1.8 filter
250hz filter

after 2 years  I doubt that the 2.8 filter was really worth it.  the
2.7 would have been fine.      the 1.8 does help in big contests were
you have big guns a few KHZ away from the QRP you are trying to work.  
but otherwise it to wasn't really needed  but Im glad i have it.
Im happy I have the 250HZ  both for contesting CW and PSK
haven't used the KXV3A yet.  was planning a beverage for RX and it
hasn't happened yet.   also will be getting P3 soon. so good thing I
have the KXV3A anyway.


I would have been fine with K3/100 +  KAT3 + 250hz filter

still wanting P3 badly.  plus general coverage receive band pass
filters and FM filter as it will do AM as well.   you dont really need
the KTCXO3-1 for most digital modes like PSK Hell MFSK etc  but if you
plan to use frequency sensitive modes like JT65 its a must.  I play
digital alot and never had an issue.


 By the way  its not the cool aid that made me go K3.  its just that
the K3 is a damn good rig period!


David Moes
VE3DVY


On Thursday 20/02/2014 at 6:45 pm, Rick WA6NHC  wrote:
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Dave Perry N4QS
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Arlen,

I just bought my second K3 and would recommend the following:

K3/100
KAT3 Auto tuner plus second antenna port
KXV3A RX Ant., IF Out and Xverter Interface -- for adding a P3 later
400 Hz 8 pole filter for CW and RTTY

That would be my top three options for general DX and CW operation.

73,

Dave, N4QS




-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Arlen Fletcher
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2014 2:26 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns the
interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of options
listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie, so I'm
appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and
hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of significant
interest at this point.

Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options for
a brand new K3/100?

Thanks in advance!

73, Arlen, N7YIM
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2
Yep.

My top 3 as well.
(BTW: The KXV3 is very useful, also when you have no intention to add a P3)

73
Arie PA3A


Dave Perry schreef op 21-2-2014 5:55:

>
> K3/100
> KAT3 Auto tuner plus second antenna port
> KXV3A RX Ant., IF Out and Xverter Interface -- for adding a P3 later
> 400 Hz 8 pole filter for CW and RTTY
>
> That would be my top three options for general DX and CW operation.
>
> 73,
>
> Dave, N4QS
>
>

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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Ethan Miller K8GU
Arlen,

I agree that the KXV3(A) is very useful in general, also.  My first
K3/100 only had the 400-Hz roofing filter option and I bought the
KXV3A a few months later so I could hook up Beverages.  I would
strongly encourage you to consider at least one roofing filter that's
matched to your preferred mode/bandwidth so you can really exploit the
awesomeness of the K3.  I would think that for SSB DX, the 2.1 kHz or
1.8 kHz might be useful.

I don't consider auto-tuners a must-have accessory...but, all of my
antennas are matched farther down the feeder and the amp I'm using
right now has tuned input.  That's the last item on my list of K3
upgrades (the next, and next-to-last, one is the sub RX)...

Have fun...it doesn't take much to really enjoy the radio...add the
options later!

73,

--Ethan, K8GU/3.


On Fri, Feb 21, 2014 at 10:34 AM, Arie Kleingeld PA3A <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Yep.
>
> My top 3 as well.
> (BTW: The KXV3 is very useful, also when you have no intention to add a P3)
>
> 73
> Arie PA3A
>
>
> Dave Perry schreef op 21-2-2014 5:55:
>
>>
>> K3/100
>> KAT3 Auto tuner plus second antenna port
>> KXV3A RX Ant., IF Out and Xverter Interface -- for adding a P3 later
>> 400 Hz 8 pole filter for CW and RTTY
>>
>> That would be my top three options for general DX and CW operation.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Dave, N4QS
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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--
http://www.k8gu.com/
Repair.  Re-use.  Re-purpose.  Recycle.
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Arlen Fletcher
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Greetings Everyone,

I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed with the number of responses I've received to my question about what options to get with a new K3/100. I expected a few replies, but nothing like what I've seen! Thank you to those that have responded both on-list and off. I very much appreciate the input. I've tallied the suggestions and here's what came out:

#1 option: KAT-3
#2 option: KXV3A
#3 option: KRX3

Almost everyone recommended filters of one flavor or another, 2 people recommended the P3, and one person recommended the KTXCO3-1.

I've received the final OK from the "financial officer" (XYL), so as soon as my rich Uncle comes through I'll be placing an order!

73, Arlen, N7YIM

On Feb 20, 2014, at 12:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher <[hidden email]> wrote:

I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of significant interest at this point.

Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options for a brand new K3/100?

Thanks in advance!

73, Arlen, N7YIM
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Keith Heimbold
I know I am late to this game but I recently got my K3 back and I missed or need these features the most.

1) KXV3 - for my receive antennas.
2) Fully filled up filters in your receiver - still want to get either 700 kHz or 1k filter for it. I have 13k, 2.8k,1.8k, and .25k.
3) and I like the KAT3 even though I don't need it with my home station but I plan to take it portable

That is it. Sorry for late arrival.

Keith
AK6ZZ



Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

> On Feb 21, 2014, at 10:31 AM, "Arlen Fletcher" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Greetings Everyone,
>
> I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed with the number of responses I've received to my question about what options to get with a new K3/100. I expected a few replies, but nothing like what I've seen! Thank you to those that have responded both on-list and off. I very much appreciate the input. I've tallied the suggestions and here's what came out:
>
> #1 option: KAT-3
> #2 option: KXV3A
> #3 option: KRX3
>
> Almost everyone recommended filters of one flavor or another, 2 people recommended the P3, and one person recommended the KTXCO3-1.
>
> I've received the final OK from the "financial officer" (XYL), so as soon as my rich Uncle comes through I'll be placing an order!
>
> 73, Arlen, N7YIM
>
> On Feb 20, 2014, at 12:25 PM, Arlen Fletcher <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I'm about to pull the trigger on a K3/100 purchase (once the IRS returns the interest-free loan I provided to them in 2013). There are a LOT of options listed for the K3 on the Elecraft site, and I'm a total newbie, so I'm appealing for help from current K3 owners. I plan to chase DX primarily and hope to learn more about the digital modes, though CW isn't of significant interest at this point.
>
> Given the above, what are your recommendations for the top three options for a brand new K3/100?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> 73, Arlen, N7YIM
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Phil Wheeler-2

On 2/21/14, 11:46 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:

> I know I am late to this game but I recently got my K3 back and I missed or need these features the most.
>
> 1) KXV3 - for my receive antennas.
> 2) Fully filled up filters in your receiver - still want to get either 700 kHz or 1k filter for it. I have 13k, 2.8k,1.8k, and .25k.
> 3) and I like the KAT3 even though I don't need it with my home station but I plan to take it portable
>
> That is it. Sorry for late arrival.
>
> Keith
> AK6ZZ
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
>> On Feb 21, 2014, at 10:31 AM, "Arlen Fletcher" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Greetings Everyone,
>>
>> I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed with the number of responses I've received to my question about what options to get with a new K3/100. I expected a few replies, but nothing like what I've seen! Thank you to those that have responded both on-list and off. I very much appreciate the input. I've tallied the suggestions and here's what came out:
>>
>> #1 option: KAT-3
>> #2 option: KXV3A
>> #3 option: KRX3
>>
>> Almost everyone recommended filters of one flavor or another, 2 people recommended the P3, and one person recommended the KTXCO3-1.
>>
>> I've received the final OK from the "financial officer" (XYL), so as soon as my rich Uncle comes through I'll be placing an order!
>>
>> 73, Arlen, N7YIM
>>
>>
>>

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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

Phil Wheeler-2
What I meant to send:

Mine is arriving today. I pretty much maxed it out
*except* for the sub-receiver, a personal choice.
Filters are .400. 1.0, 2.1, 2.8 and 6. I did get
the TCXO option -- mostly in case I eventually get
transverters. Also the KXV3 since my local ham
friend showed me the utility of a panadapter (so
the P3 is coming, too).

But my first choices would have been 100 W, ATU
and 400 Hz filter (home antennas will need ATU
unless I use a manual tuner and change it for each
band). I have the K2, qrp or 100, which will be my
main portable rig -- usually qrp for less power reqd.

Hey, big package just arrived, so ... .

73, Phil w7ox

On 2/21/14, 12:35 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote:

>
> On 2/21/14, 11:46 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:
>> I know I am late to this game but I recently
>> got my K3 back and I missed or need these
>> features the most.
>>
>> 1) KXV3 - for my receive antennas.
>> 2) Fully filled up filters in your receiver -
>> still want to get either 700 kHz or 1k filter
>> for it. I have 13k, 2.8k,1.8k, and .25k.
>> 3) and I like the KAT3 even though I don't need
>> it with my home station but I plan to take it
>> portable
>>
>> That is it. Sorry for late arrival.
>>
>> Keith
>> AK6ZZ
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>>
>>> On Feb 21, 2014, at 10:31 AM, "Arlen Fletcher"
>>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Greetings Everyone,
>>>
>>> I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed with the
>>> number of responses I've received to my
>>> question about what options to get with a new
>>> K3/100. I expected a few replies, but nothing
>>> like what I've seen! Thank you to those that
>>> have responded both on-list and off. I very
>>> much appreciate the input. I've tallied the
>>> suggestions and here's what came out:
>>>
>>> #1 option: KAT-3
>>> #2 option: KXV3A
>>> #3 option: KRX3
>>>
>>> Almost everyone recommended filters of one
>>> flavor or another, 2 people recommended the
>>> P3, and one person recommended the KTXCO3-1.
>>>
>>> I've received the final OK from the "financial
>>> officer" (XYL), so as soon as my rich Uncle
>>> comes through I'll be placing an order!
>>>
>>> 73, Arlen, N7YIM
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
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> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Re: Buying a new K3/100 kit - Top 3 options?

k6dgw
In reply to this post by Arlen Fletcher
Arlen,  I have a P3.  I bought it as a toy, my wife does needlepoint
which is as expensive as ham radio can be, we have an "equal hobby
allowance" policy between us, and she'd been buying quite a bit and
going to a number of classes.  I assembled it, spent some time learning
to use it, and far from being a "toy," it has changed just about every
aspect of my operating habits.

I did not include it in my list to you because it is a separate device
and not an internal K3 option.  If it's within your budget and you can
have 4 options instead of 3, I'd get a P3.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 2/21/2014 10:31 AM, Arlen Fletcher wrote:

> Almost everyone recommended filters of one flavor or another, 2 people
> recommended the P3, and one person recommended the KTXCO3-1.


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