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Help sell me on the K3S

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Reuben,

Since you say you have the K2, I'd get your
license before adding any new rig and use the K2
to start out. Even without the amp you can run 10
Watts or so and get your feet wet.

After you've operated for a while you'll have a
better idea of what you want.

OTOH, if you plan to operate SSB 100% of the time
(I tend to forget CW is no longer required!), then
perhaps you should start with a 100 W rig; 10
Watts on SSB might be a bit discouraging on 20
meters particularly with our current band conditions.

If you are willing to start with 10 Watts on SSB,
then you might be well advised to add the SSB
module to your K2 (assuming it has none now) and
get your feet wet with the rig you already own vs.
buying the 10W K3s immediately.

I consider the K3s/100 to be your best choice if
money is no issue. Great rig and great support,
both from Elecraft and the user base here. But you
should start with it minimally configured (e.g.,
don't add a bunch of roofing filters -- but do add
the ATU because you have a G5RV and will need a
good tuner).

Below you say "In the past week I found out about
the Icom 7300, which for all intents and purposes
is one heck of a nifty radio too.". While the
IC-7300 has some shortcomings it's a good radio
that you could probably be satisfied with for
years. So that might be a very good option for you
as you first get into ham radio.

Whatever you decide, give highest priority to
getting your license, Reuben. Then you can start
having fun :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/3/16 2:44 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:

> Hey everyone, happy early 4th to you and yours!
>
> I'm looking for a bit on input here. I've had my K2 now for quite some
> time now; built it myself and love it still to this day. But, because
> every guy and gal needs a new radio every now and then, I've got that itch.
>
> I've had my eye on a K3 probably since I first saw the advertisement in QST
> some years back. I'm not a contester.. heck, I *still* don't have my
> ticket, so my main use is SWL and running up and down the bands to listen
> in on some of the nets. My antenna is just a half size G5RV slung along
> the apex of my roof.... but I've wanted to get my hands on the K3... that
> is until now.
>
> In the past week I found out about the Icom 7300, which for all intents and
> purposes is one heck of a nifty radio too. And at $500 less than what the
> 10W K3S. That's a nice chunk of cheddar in these days and times, doubly so
> as Popp #2 will be arriving here come September (on my birthday no less,
> hah). The downsides are (at least to me) is that there's little in the way
> for adding on new features to the set short of via software updates.
> There's no second antenna option, etc, etc.
>
> Granted, I'm not looking at getting either one anytime in the immediate
> future. Or, if I miraculously get one somehow, something is seriously
> wrong, and someone has replaced my XYL with the Stepford model... come
> please make sure I'm okay, lol. But in all seriousness, help me decide
> here. Which is the better bang for the buck in the long run? I'm willing
> to bet that this will be the last rig I get for quite some time yet, so I
> had best make it count.
>
> Thanks in advance to all and 73
> Reuben

Clay Autery

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Listen to Phil, Reuben... wise man; good advice.

Seriously, get your license... you're missing so much without it...
Just ain't that hard... Study up for all three and take them all in one
day...

Had I NOT been in the middle of a gall bladder attack on test day, I
would have passed all three at once instead of having to go back for
Extra...

73,

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 7/17/2016 6:44 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote:

> Reuben,
>
> Since you say you have the K2, I'd get your license before adding any
> new rig and use the K2 to start out. Even without the amp you can run
> 10 Watts or so and get your feet wet.
>
> After you've operated for a while you'll have a better idea of what
> you want.
>
> OTOH, if you plan to operate SSB 100% of the time (I tend to forget CW
> is no longer required!), then perhaps you should start with a 100 W
> rig; 10 Watts on SSB might be a bit discouraging on 20 meters
> particularly with our current band conditions.
>
> If you are willing to start with 10 Watts on SSB, then you might be
> well advised to add the SSB module to your K2 (assuming it has none
> now) and get your feet wet with the rig you already own vs. buying the
> 10W K3s immediately.
>
> I consider the K3s/100 to be your best choice if money is no issue.
> Great rig and great support, both from Elecraft and the user base
> here. But you should start with it minimally configured (e.g., don't
> add a bunch of roofing filters -- but do add the ATU because you have
> a G5RV and will need a good tuner).
>
> Below you say "In the past week I found out about the Icom 7300, which
> for all intents and purposes is one heck of a nifty radio too.". While
> the IC-7300 has some shortcomings it's a good radio that you could
> probably be satisfied with for years. So that might be a very good
> option for you as you first get into ham radio.
>
> Whatever you decide, give highest priority to getting your license,
> Reuben. Then you can start having fun :-)
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
> On 7/3/16 2:44 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>> Hey everyone, happy early 4th to you and yours!
>>
>> I'm looking for a bit on input here. I've had my K2 now for quite some
>> time now; built it myself and love it still to this day. But, because
>> every guy and gal needs a new radio every now and then, I've got that
>> itch.
>>
>> I've had my eye on a K3 probably since I first saw the advertisement
>> in QST
>> some years back. I'm not a contester.. heck, I *still* don't have my
>> ticket, so my main use is SWL and running up and down the bands to
>> listen
>> in on some of the nets. My antenna is just a half size G5RV slung along
>> the apex of my roof.... but I've wanted to get my hands on the K3...
>> that
>> is until now.
>>
>> In the past week I found out about the Icom 7300, which for all
>> intents and
>> purposes is one heck of a nifty radio too. And at $500 less than
>> what the
>> 10W K3S. That's a nice chunk of cheddar in these days and times,
>> doubly so
>> as Popp #2 will be arriving here come September (on my birthday no less,
>> hah). The downsides are (at least to me) is that there's little in
>> the way
>> for adding on new features to the set short of via software updates.
>> There's no second antenna option, etc, etc.
>>
>> Granted, I'm not looking at getting either one anytime in the immediate
>> future. Or, if I miraculously get one somehow, something is seriously
>> wrong, and someone has replaced my XYL with the Stepford model... come
>> please make sure I'm okay, lol. But in all seriousness, help me decide
>> here. Which is the better bang for the buck in the long run? I'm
>> willing
>> to bet that this will be the last rig I get for quite some time yet,
>> so I
>> had best make it count.
>>
>> Thanks in advance to all and 73
>> Reuben
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Reuben Popp

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

I hear ya... I was in the middle of studying for the general last. The
tech is.. well, too easy (IMO), so I was going to sit for both tech and
general IF I can actually make it up to St. Louis before sunrise, or if I
can schmooze a few of the local VEs to do a one-off.

As to my K2, I thought about it, but even with the MAB board, the K2 isn't
exactly cut out for data modes.. at least, not very easily. Unless I'm
completely missing something here. AM BC bands are so-so in that you get
what's adjacent. Not knocking my K2.. I _still_ love it, both for what it
is and the fact that it was one of the more fun projects I did while
working on my undergrad in CSc. I built it with the audio filter module,
the SSB module, and the 160M module. I did not purchase either antenna
tuner as it's my understanding that a tuner only really helps in TX, not
RX. And to be frank, all the above was bought using my federal tax return
from my glorious year as a student worker ;). The only other module I've
thought of adding is the serial port, if only to dig into the code some and
see if I could write some bits for further integration on a linux/BSD
system.

Right now, I'm looking at a budget of ~3500. In my line of work, OT
doesn't come around much, but when it does, forty hours is a nice treat for
dad, although the XYL has laid claim to the next OT project's funds.

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 6:51 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Listen to Phil, Reuben... wise man; good advice.
>
> Seriously, get your license... you're missing so much without it...
> Just ain't that hard... Study up for all three and take them all in one
> day...
>
> Had I NOT been in the middle of a gall bladder attack on test day, I
> would have passed all three at once instead of having to go back for
> Extra...
>
>
> 73,
>
> ______________________
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> MONTAC Enterprises
> (318) 518-1389
>
> On 7/17/2016 6:44 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote:
> > Reuben,
> >
> > Since you say you have the K2, I'd get your license before adding any
> > new rig and use the K2 to start out. Even without the amp you can run
> > 10 Watts or so and get your feet wet.
> >
> > After you've operated for a while you'll have a better idea of what
> > you want.
> >
> > OTOH, if you plan to operate SSB 100% of the time (I tend to forget CW
> > is no longer required!), then perhaps you should start with a 100 W
> > rig; 10 Watts on SSB might be a bit discouraging on 20 meters
> > particularly with our current band conditions.
> >
> > If you are willing to start with 10 Watts on SSB, then you might be
> > well advised to add the SSB module to your K2 (assuming it has none
> > now) and get your feet wet with the rig you already own vs. buying the
> > 10W K3s immediately.
> >
> > I consider the K3s/100 to be your best choice if money is no issue.
> > Great rig and great support, both from Elecraft and the user base
> > here. But you should start with it minimally configured (e.g., don't
> > add a bunch of roofing filters -- but do add the ATU because you have
> > a G5RV and will need a good tuner).
> >
> > Below you say "In the past week I found out about the Icom 7300, which
> > for all intents and purposes is one heck of a nifty radio too.". While
> > the IC-7300 has some shortcomings it's a good radio that you could
> > probably be satisfied with for years. So that might be a very good
> > option for you as you first get into ham radio.
> >
> > Whatever you decide, give highest priority to getting your license,
> > Reuben. Then you can start having fun :-)
> >
> > 73, Phil W7OX
> >
> > On 7/3/16 2:44 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
> >> Hey everyone, happy early 4th to you and yours!
> >>
> >> I'm looking for a bit on input here. I've had my K2 now for quite some
> >> time now; built it myself and love it still to this day. But, because
> >> every guy and gal needs a new radio every now and then, I've got that
> >> itch.
> >>
> >> I've had my eye on a K3 probably since I first saw the advertisement
> >> in QST
> >> some years back. I'm not a contester.. heck, I *still* don't have my
> >> ticket, so my main use is SWL and running up and down the bands to
> >> listen
> >> in on some of the nets. My antenna is just a half size G5RV slung along
> >> the apex of my roof.... but I've wanted to get my hands on the K3...
> >> that
> >> is until now.
> >>
> >> In the past week I found out about the Icom 7300, which for all
> >> intents and
> >> purposes is one heck of a nifty radio too. And at $500 less than
> >> what the
> >> 10W K3S. That's a nice chunk of cheddar in these days and times,
> >> doubly so
> >> as Popp #2 will be arriving here come September (on my birthday no less,
> >> hah). The downsides are (at least to me) is that there's little in
> >> the way
> >> for adding on new features to the set short of via software updates.
> >> There's no second antenna option, etc, etc.
> >>
> >> Granted, I'm not looking at getting either one anytime in the immediate
> >> future. Or, if I miraculously get one somehow, something is seriously
> >> wrong, and someone has replaced my XYL with the Stepford model... come
> >> please make sure I'm okay, lol. But in all seriousness, help me decide
> >> here. Which is the better bang for the buck in the long run? I'm
> >> willing
> >> to bet that this will be the last rig I get for quite some time yet,
> >> so I
> >> had best make it count.
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance to all and 73
> >> Reuben
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Tim Seed

Whoa, there are plenty good "pre-owned" radios out there for WAY under $2k.

An old Swan 350 should run about $150 - $200. Sure, there's not much in the way of Bells & whistles, but the guy on the other end won't know you're not running a rig that costs more than a good used car!

Same for a TS-520/530 or TS-820/830, and others in the under $500 range.

If you look at it strictly from a $ & ¢ aspect, buying a 10 to 15 year old radio can probably be sold a year later for what you paid for it.

If you want to go a tad newer, TS-480's are going for under $700.

Some good possibilities are: TS-570, TS-450, IC-746, IC-756, FT-1000MP, TS-590, and many others.

The point is, you won’t throw away a starter radio resulting in a 100% loss.

73, Charlie k3ICH

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of a45wg
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2016 2:34 PM
To: Ian <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S

No !!! Bad sales pitch - How about spend $3k now - or spend $2k now and $3k (when you realised you made a mistake) later….. see spending $3k now much much cheaper…..

73, tim - A45WG

> On 17 Jul 2016, at 22:24, Ian <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Consider getting a lesser radio first and using that for a while.
> Then you'll really appreciate what a step (leap) up the K3S is over other radios.
>
> 73, Ian N8IK
>
> On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 1:58 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> On Sun,7/17/2016 10:02 AM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>>
>>> I*will* get my ticket, it's just a matter of when, so if I'm in for
>>> a penny on a receiver,
>>>
>>
>> So work on that FIRST. At this point, the cart is well before the horse.
>> Hopefully, while studying for your license, you'll learn more about
>> radio, and be able to make a more informed decision. AND you'll have the license.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Message delivered to [hidden email]

Mike Murray-4

Re: K-Pod Usability

In reply to this post by Ed Muns

I've been looking at the K-Pod, but since I already have a PigKnob I
decided to wait a bit and see how things shake out. While it worked out OK
in the NAQP this weekend, I can see where Ed has used the K-Pod in areas
that the Pig won't mimic and would be very helpful.

Also, I haven't been able to find any reference as yet, but does the K-Pod
also work with the K3/0 mini in remote operations?

73,
Mike - W0AG

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 2:16 PM, Ed Muns <[hidden email]> wrote:

> The K-Pod really enhanced my SO2V operation in the NAQP RTTY contest last
> night. While running on VFO-A, I used the K-Pod predominantly for VFO-B to
> tune the band, using the P3 as guidance, for finding other CQing stations
> to
> work. Overall, I felt I did a far better job (faster and more thorough)
> using the K-Pod instead of the normal VFO-B knob.
>
>
>
>
>

Don Wilhelm

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

Reuben,

Since you do not yet have a license, and you *do* have a K2/10, you
already have one of the best receivers on the market. Of course, the
K3S and the KX3 are a bit better, but the improvement is marginal.

Use the K2 and concentrate on getting your license.
Once you have your license coming, examine your ham radio budget and
your aspirations.
If you can build thru-hole gear, adding the KPA100 to your base K2 will
get you a 100 watt transceiver at the lowest cost. It will be a contest
grade 100 watt class transceiver.

Yes, the Sherwood ratings of the K3/K3S and KX3 surpass the K2, but not
by much.

OTOH, if you are into SWLing as well as ham radio, the K2 only has good
response at frequencies close to the ham bands. The K3S with the KBPF3A
option is a better choice for SWLing.

That is the technical side of things, your K2 is great for ham band
reception, and the K3S with KBPF3 is great for receive outside the ham
bands.

BUT - concentrate on getting your general (or extra) license before you
consider an upgrade to your already very good Elecraft K2.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/17/2016 1:02 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:

> The higher-end SDR is an option I suppose, but I already have too many
> receivers as it is. Two R-390A's, three SP-600 variants, two BC-348s and
> in the garage two R-1051-B sets. Yes, I might have neglected to mention
> before that when I first got into the hobby I was instantly drawn to the
> boatanchor camp (having been in the Navy myself some years ago). Needless
> to say, my K2/10 is the smallest, and most definitely, _lightest_ radio I
> own. This coming from the guy who moved most of these into storage in the
> past two weeks to make room for the baby boy arriving in nine weeks. Yes,
> my back is still recuperating, but my chiropractor? She loves me. ;).
>
> I *will* get my ticket, it's just a matter of when, so if I'm in for a
> penny on a receiver, I'm in for a pound and I might as well get a
> transceiver.

Reuben Popp

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order page.
Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 8:35 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Reuben,
>
> Since you do not yet have a license, and you *do* have a K2/10, you
> already have one of the best receivers on the market. Of course, the K3S
> and the KX3 are a bit better, but the improvement is marginal.
>
> Use the K2 and concentrate on getting your license.
> Once you have your license coming, examine your ham radio budget and your
> aspirations.
> If you can build thru-hole gear, adding the KPA100 to your base K2 will
> get you a 100 watt transceiver at the lowest cost. It will be a contest
> grade 100 watt class transceiver.
>
> Yes, the Sherwood ratings of the K3/K3S and KX3 surpass the K2, but not by
> much.
>
> OTOH, if you are into SWLing as well as ham radio, the K2 only has good
> response at frequencies close to the ham bands. The K3S with the KBPF3A
> option is a better choice for SWLing.
>
> That is the technical side of things, your K2 is great for ham band
> reception, and the K3S with KBPF3 is great for receive outside the ham
> bands.
>
> BUT - concentrate on getting your general (or extra) license before you
> consider an upgrade to your already very good Elecraft K2.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 7/17/2016 1:02 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>
>> The higher-end SDR is an option I suppose, but I already have too many
>> receivers as it is. Two R-390A's, three SP-600 variants, two BC-348s and
>> in the garage two R-1051-B sets. Yes, I might have neglected to mention
>> before that when I first got into the hobby I was instantly drawn to the
>> boatanchor camp (having been in the Navy myself some years ago). Needless
>> to say, my K2/10 is the smallest, and most definitely, _lightest_ radio I
>> own. This coming from the guy who moved most of these into storage in the
>> past two weeks to make room for the baby boy arriving in nine weeks. Yes,
>> my back is still recuperating, but my chiropractor? She loves me. ;).
>>
>> I *will* get my ticket, it's just a matter of when, so if I'm in for a
>> penny on a receiver, I'm in for a pound and I might as well get a
>> transceiver.
>>
>
>

Byron Servies

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Hi there!

A few thoughts my experience, in case they help.

I am a relatively recent ham, having been first licensed in 2008. At
that time, I bought a lot of appliances: FT-450, remote auto tuners,
ARRL stealth antenna books. It wasn't too long before I realized that
I was not achieving my own personal goals in ham radio: learning about
radio electronics. And HF really wasn't working well for me, which is
no surprise given my HOA QTH and want of understanding.

So, I sold my appliances and bought a K1 kit and learned CW. Building
that kit was great, and I still really enjoy using that radio. You
adjust the VFO frequncy by picking at the windings of an inductor! How
much fun is that! So much fun.

I have since learned a lot more about radio and electronics, built a
K2 with all the features, and have been through several iterations of
antennas. I discovered contesting, which added a new goal. And, I even
presented my failures at Pacificon a couple of years ago. So many
failures! But it was a fun presentation to give.

Right now, I have a used K3 at Elecraft being upgraded and I think I
am ready for it. But, hey, that's me. Your situation will be
different.

My point is that you need to figure out what you want to do. Just be
prepared for potential failure and a change in direction! Phil gives
solid advice, and I recommend considering it.

Oh, and definitely get a license first.

73, Byron N6NUL

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 7:26 PM, Reuben Popp <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order page.
> Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?
>
> On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 8:35 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Reuben,
>>
>> Since you do not yet have a license, and you *do* have a K2/10, you
>> already have one of the best receivers on the market. Of course, the K3S
>> and the KX3 are a bit better, but the improvement is marginal.
>>
>> Use the K2 and concentrate on getting your license.
>> Once you have your license coming, examine your ham radio budget and your
>> aspirations.
>> If you can build thru-hole gear, adding the KPA100 to your base K2 will
>> get you a 100 watt transceiver at the lowest cost. It will be a contest
>> grade 100 watt class transceiver.
>>
>> Yes, the Sherwood ratings of the K3/K3S and KX3 surpass the K2, but not by
>> much.
>>
>> OTOH, if you are into SWLing as well as ham radio, the K2 only has good
>> response at frequencies close to the ham bands. The K3S with the KBPF3A
>> option is a better choice for SWLing.
>>
>> That is the technical side of things, your K2 is great for ham band
>> reception, and the K3S with KBPF3 is great for receive outside the ham
>> bands.
>>
>> BUT - concentrate on getting your general (or extra) license before you
>> consider an upgrade to your already very good Elecraft K2.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 7/17/2016 1:02 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>>
>>> The higher-end SDR is an option I suppose, but I already have too many
>>> receivers as it is. Two R-390A's, three SP-600 variants, two BC-348s and
>>> in the garage two R-1051-B sets. Yes, I might have neglected to mention
>>> before that when I first got into the hobby I was instantly drawn to the
>>> boatanchor camp (having been in the Navy myself some years ago). Needless
>>> to say, my K2/10 is the smallest, and most definitely, _lightest_ radio I
>>> own. This coming from the guy who moved most of these into storage in the
>>> past two weeks to make room for the baby boy arriving in nine weeks. Yes,
>>> my back is still recuperating, but my chiropractor? She loves me. ;).
>>>
>>> I *will* get my ticket, it's just a matter of when, so if I'm in for a
>>> penny on a receiver, I'm in for a pound and I might as well get a
>>> transceiver.
>>>
>>
>>
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--
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- CU in the Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2016
- www.cqp.org
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

Reuben,

I cannot find it on the webpage either, but I do not know why.
You might try phoning the sales office instead of ordering on-line.

The KDSP2 is an enhancement to the K2 - the basic K2 is just fine for
general use even without the KDSP2.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/17/2016 10:26 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
> Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order
> page. Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?
>

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

I believe you have the KAF2, the audio filter.
Likely it will do well enough for you -- and it
cannot be used with the KDPS2, it's one or the other.

It discontinued, may be due to some part obsolescence.

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/17/16 7:26 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
> Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order page.
> Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?

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Enzo Adrian-Reyes

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Was thinking of a K3S, although I have a KX3, I am quite surprised as to
how well it performs, the radio is simply amazing, and I am only allowed
10W since I am on the foundation license.

Thinking rather than the 100W amp spend the money on a K3S/10 and slowly
upgrade.

Regards

On Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 2:20 PM, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I believe you have the KAF2, the audio filter. Likely it will do well
> enough for you -- and it cannot be used with the KDPS2, it's one or the
> other.
>
> It discontinued, may be due to some part obsolescence.
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
> On 7/17/16 7:26 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>
>> Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order page.
>> Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?
>>
>
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>

Clay Autery

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

There's a cool little knob on the K3s that allows you to turn the power
DOWN to 10 W. <wink & grin>

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 7/17/2016 11:37 PM, Enzo Adrian-Reyes wrote:

> Was thinking of a K3S, although I have a KX3, I am quite surprised as to
> how well it performs, the radio is simply amazing, and I am only allowed
> 10W since I am on the foundation license.
>
> Thinking rather than the 100W amp spend the money on a K3S/10 and slowly
> upgrade.
>
> Regards
>
> On Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 2:20 PM, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I believe you have the KAF2, the audio filter. Likely it will do well
>> enough for you -- and it cannot be used with the KDPS2, it's one or the
>> other.
>>
>> It discontinued, may be due to some part obsolescence.
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>
>> On 7/17/16 7:26 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:
>>
>>> Interesting, but the KDSP2 appears to have disappeared on the order page.
>>> Did that part become discontinued for one reason or another?
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>>
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>>
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Edward R Cole

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

I would guess my experience is pretty much typical for most hams
(with variance in details):
I started out building three tube regen receiver when I was 13 years
old. Cost me $19.95 in 1957 (took six months saving to accumulate
that much). I didn't have a solder iron so my Dad bought me a Wen
solder gun for $5 for my 14th birthday. I became a Novice in Nov. 58.

Could not pass 13wpm so upgraded to Tech. in 1959 and got a HQ100 a year later.
next was a Clegg Interceptor-B, then I built a SB110. Oh a Sixer in
between that.

Grad college and moved to CA in 68 and bought a IC-211 and
Argonaut-505 in 1976. Moved to AK in 1979 and bought a TS-180S.

Tentec-50, FT-840, FT-847 ... and finally in 2010 I upgraded to my K3/10.
That's quite a progression in receivers from three tube to K3 (only
took 52 years).

But if you have the means get the best you can afford (now).

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

Reuben,

I differ with you on the statement that the "K2 isn't exactly cut out
for data modes".
If you activate the RTTY filter set and adjust the filters for that
mode, then you have a good transceiver for data modes. The RTTY mode
allows you to set the compression (SSBC menu parameter) independently
from the compression you use for SSB.

If this is an old K2 with old firmware, you may want to update at least
the firmware - the RTTY mode was not available before the rev 2.xx
firmware level. Hold any button while powering on to see the firmware
level briefly displayed.

Add the W3FPR Fixed Audio Output and you are all set (instead you can
use the headphone output, but the level varies with the AF Gain
control). You do have to provide some switching between the microphone
and the soundcard output externally to the K2 unless you are strictly
data modes. See my Data mode Switchbox article on my website
www.w3fpr.com for some ideas about how to accomplish that.

The modern K2 is quite capable on soundcard data modes 'as-is', but a
few external devices make it easier to use and switch from SSB to data
modes.
If you have an older K2 (prior to SN3000), you may want to consider
adding the A to B upgrade mods (and associated mod kits) to bring it up
to date.

Do not overlook your K2, it is quite a capable transceiver for all modes.

The MAB board is not a data mode solution, that only provides for
various microphone pinouts.

Yes, the K2 is a ham bands only transceiver. If you are looking for a
general coverage receiver for SWLing, the K2 is not going to do it for
you. The K3S with the KBPF3A option will provide general coverage receive.

But my suggestion is that unless you are vastly interested in SWLing,
keep the K2 and use it until you get your license. At this point,
concentrate on your license rather than the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/17/2016 8:36 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:

> I hear ya... I was in the middle of studying for the general last. The
> tech is.. well, too easy (IMO), so I was going to sit for both tech and
> general IF I can actually make it up to St. Louis before sunrise, or if I
> can schmooze a few of the local VEs to do a one-off.
>
> As to my K2, I thought about it, but even with the MAB board, the K2 isn't
> exactly cut out for data modes.. at least, not very easily. Unless I'm
> completely missing something here. AM BC bands are so-so in that you get
> what's adjacent. Not knocking my K2.. I _still_ love it, both for what it
> is and the fact that it was one of the more fun projects I did while
> working on my undergrad in CSc.

Jerry Moore

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

In reply to this post by Reuben Popp

I will throw my view into the mix.

As a new Ham operator you have no idea what you want to do in the hobby
other than EVERYTHING!!!
In addition to wanting to do everything we're also most often budget limited
to some extent.

Challenge: Weigh the desire to do everything with the most cost effective
way to get started until we know what we actually enjoy.

Suggestions:
1. Find a mentor (in our hobby they are called Elmers) to help you along,
get you on the air, and help you get experience to find out WHAT you ENJOY
doing in the hobby.
2. Meet with as many hams who do different things in the hobby as you can
and ask them to show you that part of the hobby....example: HF, UHF/VHF,
EME, DX, Contesting, Different modes....etc..

Once you know what you ENJOY in the hobby you can best invest in the
resources to engage.

My world view of ham radio gear specific to Elecraft:

Most Gear Advantage (generalizations): cheaper, simple to use/operate
(appliance operator ), may have firmware updates.
Most Gear Disadvantage (generalizations): limited to the manf. Design limits
and locked to model, firmware updates generally limited to correcting bugs
and not generally to add features/functionality.

Elecraft Disadvantages (my opinion and generalizations): High entry price,
operator MUST learn to use the gear, configurations can be complex and are
generally open ended
Elecraft Advantages (my opinion and generalizations): Gear is highly
adaptable to conditions and configuration based on operator demands a the
time, hardware and software upgrades (both hardware and software upgrades
have traditionally been for new features/functionality in addition to bug
fixes).

Summary: I would have been happy with a less expensive radio, however, I
would have been frustrated at the limitations. I purchased my Elecraft K3S
specifically to avoid the frustrations I've experienced with other gear in
the past. To date I've not been let down (although the cost of the options
has prevented me from doing the add-ons that would be nice to have..e.g. sub
rx, P3..etc).

Jerry Moore
AE4PB

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KC6CNN

Re: Help sell me on the K3S

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