Considering K3
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HI all , I am considering to buy a new radio and I am between the K3 and the IC 7600, I have read very good things about K3, although I don't know anybody near me that have one, so I would like to hear comments in why to go for the K3 and if someone live near Ogden UT that would like to shoe me their K3 would be awesome. TNX EMILSE KE7EOZ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ ______________________________________________________________ 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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Emilse,
WARNING - a lot of what follows is my personal opinion, but indicates my satisfaction with Elecraft products in general. I cannot decide for you, but if you are looking for a top performing receiver that has the promise that it can be upgraded easily without selling your current rig and buying the latest model, then the K3 is for you. Elecraft always has offered mod kits at reasonable prices to bring your K1/K2/KX1/K3 up to the latest level - I don't believe that is possible with any other radio on the market. Most manufacturers simply offer a "new" product with the upgrades included. My K2 is over 10 years old and is up to date with the currently shipped models, and I expect the same of my K3 10 years from now. I don't know your budget for your next radio purchase, but the K3 can be purchased in the 'stripped down' model, and updated with options as your budget and operating needs dictate. My K3 is the stock K3/100 (except for the FM filter), and it serves my purposes well. If I were to suddenly want to seriously chase DX or get involved in contesting, I would add the KRX3 and additional filters, and maybe some extras like the KDVR3. To me, the K3 is expandable to fit my operating needs and requirements - for right now, I need nothing more than the basics, and Elecraft gives me the opportunity to pick and choose which of those options I want to have - I don't have to deplete my ham budget with functionality that I know I will not use enough to appreciate the value. What I am trying to say is that the K3 is a top performing transceiver (look at the ARRL and Sherwood ratings) in any combination of the options, so if you are seeking a top performing radio, then the K3 is worthy of serious consideration. It is one of the lower cost radios because of the options offered - see the 2010 ARRL Handbook chapter 14 where the K3 falls into 3 of the categories, Mid-range, Upper Mid-Range, and Top-Drawer simply because of the options that are available. The receiver performance for all 3 categories is the same, and you can "grow" your K3 from the Mid-Range to Top-Drawer just by adding options. With the addition of the K144XV, it becomes a 160 thru 2 meter transceiver in any of those 3 categories. On the downside, some have commented that there are not enough buttons and knobs (some would like a bigger front panel) - I don't know your desires in this area, so I cannot comment other than to say the K3 has had high acceptance with DXers and contesters, and they do not have a major problem with the econometrics. The K3 is highly configurable for extreme operating conditions through its menu system, but some consider that a downside because of the many menu controlled variations possible. My answer to that is that the default settings are there for normal use, and the deviations from those defaults are available for more extreme situations - the K3 can be configured to your particular needs, but you may have to do some studying of the menu system to take advantage of this flexibility - as I said, the default settings will suffice for those who do not want to go to the trouble of 'messing with the menu', but it surprises me that so many want their radio to work to perfection in extreme situations "right out of the box" with no effort on the part of the operator. I hope I have not discouraged you (or any other perspective K3 owner), but those are the facts as I see them. The K3 is a highly configurable, high performance radio that has a long life expectancy. It will work well "right out of the box", but has the flexibility to be configured to your needs and desires. If your budget for a new radio is between $1450 (K3/10) and $4700 (fully loaded), then choose the options that you want for your transceiver and order your K3, you will not be disappointed. 73, Don W3FPR Emilse Peraza wrote: > HI all , I am considering to buy a new radio and I am between the K3 and the IC 7600, I have read very good things about K3, although I don't know anybody near me that have one, so I would like to hear comments in why to go for the K3 and if someone live near Ogden UT that would like to shoe me their K3 would be awesome. TNX > > ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Emilse Peraza
Dear Emilse,
Welcome. ON4UN, one of the low band masters sold out its 2 Ten Tech Orion around 2 years ago and get 2x K3's... It is not an hazard and John easily convinced me. Considering my job I have tested/used all pro and ham products on the market from decades and I'm a proud Electrafter today. No other "usual" Ham radio provider are able to provide such good after sale service and one of the major point: they are listening the users comments in order to upgrade the rigs on the right way to our satisfactory. Bst 73's Philippe A65BI (F5LTB) K3#3616 *Elecraft, by Hams, for Hams...What else ! >> Emilse Peraza <[hidden email]> 14-02-2010 4:59 >>> HI all , I am considering to buy a new radio and I am between the K3 and the IC 7600, I have read very good things about K3, although I don't know anybody near me that have one, so I would like to hear comments in why to go for the K3 and if someone live near Ogden UT that would like to shoe me their K3 would be awesome. TNX EMILSE KE7EOZ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ ______________________________________________________________ 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 Philippe TROTTET Head of Field Telecom Unit - DUBAI United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees International Humanitarian City Office Building Nº3 - Room 2, 1st Floor Doha Street PO BOX: 506013 DUBAI - U.A.E. Dubai time: GMT +4 W: Sunday to Thursday HQ Ext: 7120 Vsat: xx 41 22 7120 External: +971 4 3601753 +41 22 739 7120 Mobile: +971 504531756 Website: www.unhcr.org ( http://www.unhcr.org/ ) ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Emilse Peraza
I haven't used an IC7600, but have used a Pro III. At one time I did
consider ditching my K3 due to firmware issues which have since been resolved, the radio I considered as an alternative was ironically the IC7600. Areas where the K3 is better: Close in RX dynamic range, perhaps not an issue for SSB. Low noise (wide band "hash") on transmit (see the TX close in spectrum on the ARRL reviews of both), this makes the K3 a favourite for multi-operator sites such as DXpeditions and multi contest sites. Elecraft support is one of the best in the industry. Areas where the IC7600 is better: Front panel ergonomics, the K3 is fine when driven from a logging program in a CW contest but for general purpose use it's not too good compared to the larger transceivers from Kenwood, Icom and Yaesu. If you really must have a built-in panoramic display then it's no contest, but the Icom pan display isn't as good as you can have with an external SDR receiver. Both radios are mediocre with regard to SSB TX IMD, it's a common problem with 12 Volt PA transceivers. Not a lot you can do about it if you need a 12 Volt capable radio, although they do improve by about 10 dB when running around 1/4 power and used to drive a valve linear at that level <soapbox /off> I guess you will have seen Rob Sherwoods receiver table, if not it's at: http://www.sherweng.com/table.html Happy shopping! 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 serial 80 http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/ ------------------------------- HI all , I am considering to buy a new radio and I am between the K3 and the IC 7600, I have read very good things about K3, although I don't know anybody near me that have one, so I would like to hear comments in why to go for the K3 and if someone live near Ogden UT that would like to shoe me their K3 would be awesome. TNX EMILSE KE7EOZ ______________________________________________________________ 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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In reply to this post by Emilse Peraza
I am also considering a K3, and I really enjoy reading all the comments on K3 owners' experiences and preferences.
I am planning on ordering a K3 at Dayton this year after I take a look at one. I plan on getting the basic 100 watt unit with the standard SSB filter and one CW filter. I've received a few comments on Yahoo groups about this, but I still can't decide on the 400 or the 250Hz filter. I like to tune across the band with the wider filter selected and then go to the narrow filter to make the contact. It seems to me that the 250Hz filter would be the way to go. I understand that there is actually only 65Hz bandwidth difference between these two filters. I enjoy operating the NAQCC QRP sprints and SKCC sprints, but otherwise, do not do much contesting. I would also like to know if it is possible to transmit on AM using the wider FM filter. I haven't used either of these modes on HF in the past several years, so I would probably not purchase one of these wider filters at this time, but it would still be nice to know. 73, Art WB8ENE |
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I'd recommend the 400 Hz over the 250 Hz 8-pole filter if it's your only CW
filter. This is the roofing filter; you can still dial the IF bandwidth down (to 50 Hz) for more selectivity. If you have the budget for an additional CW filter, the 200 Hz 5-pole might be a good second CW filter. I have the 400 Hz and 250 Hz 8-pole filters, and there isn't really that much difference between them. The 6 kHz AM filter is required for AM transmit (and it's also used for ESSB, should you choose to use ESSB). The 13 kHz FM filter cannot be used as the AM transmit filter at this time. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of WB8ENE Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 10:43 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Considering K3 I am also considering a K3, and I really enjoy reading all the comments on K3 owners' experiences and preferences. I am planning on ordering a K3 at Dayton this year after I take a look at one. I plan on getting the basic 100 watt unit with the standard SSB filter and one CW filter. I've received a few comments on Yahoo groups about this, but I still can't decide on the 400 or the 250Hz filter. I like to tune across the band with the wider filter selected and then go to the narrow filter to make the contact. It seems to me that the 250Hz filter would be the way to go. I understand that there is actually only 65Hz bandwidth difference between these two filters. I enjoy operating the NAQCC QRP sprints and SKCC sprints, but otherwise, do not do much contesting. I would also like to know if it is possible to transmit on AM using the wider FM filter. I haven't used either of these modes on HF in the past several years, so I would probably not purchase one of these wider filters at this time, but it would still be nice to know. 73, Art WB8ENE -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Considering-K3-tp4568589p4571166.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:[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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In reply to this post by WB8ENE
I'm really happy with my current filter complement:
2.7 ssb 1.8 ssb (told the K3 it is 2.1, so it switches in at dsp bw = 2.1) 250 cw/rtty (told K3 it is 400, so it switches in at dsp bw = 400) -------------------------------------------------- From: "WB8ENE" <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 11:42 AM To: <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Considering K3 > > I am also considering a K3, and I really enjoy reading all the > comments on K3 > owners' experiences and preferences. > > I am planning on ordering a K3 at Dayton this year after I take > a look at > one. I plan on getting the basic 100 watt unit with the > standard SSB filter > and one CW filter. I've received a few comments on Yahoo > groups about this, > but I still can't decide on the 400 or the 250Hz filter. I > like to tune > across the band with the wider filter selected and then go to > the narrow > filter to make the contact. It seems to me that the 250Hz > filter would be > the way to go. I understand that there is actually only 65Hz > bandwidth > difference between these two filters. I enjoy operating the > NAQCC QRP > sprints and SKCC sprints, but otherwise, do not do much > contesting. > > I would also like to know if it is possible to transmit on AM > using the > wider FM filter. I haven't used either of these modes on HF in > the past > several years, so I would probably not purchase one of these > wider filters > at this time, but it would still be nice to know. > > 73, Art > WB8ENE > > -- > View this message in context: > http://n2.nabble.com/Considering-K3-tp4568589p4571166.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:[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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That's a nice trick Dave... have to do that!
Up to Big Bear next weekend! Woo Hoo! 73, Dave NT6AA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Hachadorian" <[hidden email]> To: "WB8ENE" <[hidden email]>; "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 11:28 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Considering K3 > I'm really happy with my current filter complement: > > 2.7 ssb > 1.8 ssb (told the K3 it is 2.1, so it switches in at dsp bw = > 2.1) > 250 cw/rtty (told K3 it is 400, so it switches in at dsp bw = > 400) > > > -------------------------------------------------- > From: "WB8ENE" <[hidden email]> > Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 11:42 AM > To: <[hidden email]> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Considering K3 > >> >> I am also considering a K3, and I really enjoy reading all the >> comments on K3 >> owners' experiences and preferences. >> >> I am planning on ordering a K3 at Dayton this year after I take >> a look at >> one. I plan on getting the basic 100 watt unit with the >> standard SSB filter >> and one CW filter. I've received a few comments on Yahoo >> groups about this, >> but I still can't decide on the 400 or the 250Hz filter. I >> like to tune >> across the band with the wider filter selected and then go to >> the narrow >> filter to make the contact. It seems to me that the 250Hz >> filter would be >> the way to go. I understand that there is actually only 65Hz >> bandwidth >> difference between these two filters. I enjoy operating the >> NAQCC QRP >> sprints and SKCC sprints, but otherwise, do not do much >> contesting. >> >> I would also like to know if it is possible to transmit on AM >> using the >> wider FM filter. I haven't used either of these modes on HF in >> the past >> several years, so I would probably not purchase one of these >> wider filters >> at this time, but it would still be nice to know. >> >> 73, Art >> WB8ENE >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://n2.nabble.com/Considering-K3-tp4568589p4571166.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:[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 ______________________________________________________________ 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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As for the original question, I guess it depends on whether you do CW in crowded conditions. On SSB, most good radios perform quite well. CW is where you will notice the difference. My favorites were the Omni-V and Corsair. They are gone now, and the K3 top both of them. I have a Mark-V, and for SSB, I prefer it to the K3. It isn't any better, but is a bit more convenient to operate.
For filter in the K3, I am just using the stock 2.7 5-pole and the 250 8-pole. Since you have IF-DSP, I don't see much use in a 500 or 400, unless you find 250 too narrow for your taste. I have been using 250Hz filters in my rigs for 30 years, so I am used to the 250 narrow filter. I just set the DSP to 1.0kHZ for tuning, spot the signal, then punch in the 250. Works great for me. I do plan on adding a 1500 Inrad, when they have the next batch ready in March. It will be good for CW tuning and for very narrow SSB. If I could only have one HF rig, it would be the K3. 73 |
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