Help sell me on the K3S

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Help sell me on the K3S

Reuben Popp
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
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Leroy
I just bought K3S in last 30 days. So new I don't know how to use all
features.

K2 100, transverters, KX3, PX3, KPA100, KX1, K1,all in boxes and cases now.

  Just my KX2 is still is in use because I have not figured out how to carry
the K3S around.

Leroy AB7CE

-----Original Message-----
From: Reuben Popp
Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2016 3:44 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S

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.

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Bill Frantz
In reply to this post by Reuben Popp
The K3S is a top of the line, world class radio. If you can
afford it, it will not disappoint you, even if you only use if
for listening.

If you want a cheaper, simpler radio, the Elecraft KX3 rates
nearly as high as the K3S on receive[1] for less money and
complexity. It is much more portable, although the K3S isn't
bad, being the choice of many DXpedition.

It is harder to do some things with the KX3, like change between
digital and SSB, but it supports the important features. The K3S
also has some features, like two receivers, that the KX3 does
not have.

The new KX2 has not yet been tested by Sherwood as far as I
know. I would expect it to test out similarly to the KX3. It
should also be on your short list.

[1] <http://www.sherweng.com/table.html>

73 Bill AE6JV

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There you're
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Richard Fjeld-2
In reply to this post by Reuben Popp
Reuben,
I think Rob Sherwood answers this question best with his receiver
ratings. Google Sherwood labs.
Dick, n0ce


On 7/3/2016 4:44 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]

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

a45wg-2
Reuben,
        If you do not need Tx - why not just go for a high end SDR Rx. Lots of really good products out there at the moment - and being SDR easy to upgrade with software etc. You will need to budget for a decent computer and maybe an external sound card - but also an option to consider IMHO.

        You are not really going to get an un-biased opinion asking a question like that here… nor would you on the Icom forums

        regards

                Tim A45WG

> On 4 Jul 2016, at 09:46, Richard Fjeld <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Reuben,
> I think Rob Sherwood answers this question best with his receiver ratings. Google Sherwood labs.
> Dick, n0ce
>
>
> On 7/3/2016 4:44 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]
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Wes Stewart-2
In reply to this post by Richard Fjeld-2
Even Rob will tell you that one number does not a radio make.

Personally, for the most bang for the buck, I would be looking at one of the
many non-S K3s that guys like me who have upgraded to a K3S are now offering for
sale.  I'm allowing mine to gather dust on the floor, because I've found from
experience that it is best to have a spare, but others are out there.  
Performance wise, unless you put them side-by-side, on the same antenna,
(something I haven't bother to do) or work six-meters, you probably wouldn't
know the difference.

Wes  N7WS


On 7/3/2016 10:46 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

> Reuben,
> I think Rob Sherwood answers this question best with his receiver ratings.
> Google Sherwood labs.
> Dick, n0ce
>
>
> On 7/3/2016 4:44 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
>> ______________________________________________________________

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

ve3dvy
‎To put it simply. Ive had a K3 for many years.   And have kept up to date with what is available.  Looked at Flex. Icom Hilberling. Etc   The only Rig I would consider trading my K3 for would be  a K3s.   


  Original Message  
From: Wes Stewart
Sent: Monday, July 4, 2016 9:59 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S

Even Rob will tell you that one number does not a radio make.

Personally, for the most bang for the buck, I would be looking at one of the
many non-S K3s that guys like me who have upgraded to a K3S are now offering for
sale. I'm allowing mine to gather dust on the floor, because I've found from
experience that it is best to have a spare, but others are out there.
Performance wise, unless you put them side-by-side, on the same antenna,
(something I haven't bother to do) or work six-meters, you probably wouldn't
know the difference.

Wes N7WS


On 7/3/2016 10:46 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:

> Reuben,
> I think Rob Sherwood answers this question best with his receiver ratings.
> Google Sherwood labs.
> Dick, n0ce
>
>
> On 7/3/2016 4:44 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
>> ______________________________________________________________

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Reuben Popp
In reply to this post by Reuben Popp
I want to express my thanks to all who replied to my original question; my
apologies in the slow response.. It's been a nutty two weeks and I wanted
to take a bit of time to mull things over and do some more research.  With
that in mind... my head hurts <g>.  I've read reviews, looked at specs, and
pretended I knew an ounce of what the Sherwood Engineering lab reports
actually are indicating and/or mean and watched a few [nonstop] days worth
of Youtube videos on various rigs.  Needless to say, I'm in over my head a
bit.

I'm curious to see/hear what the breakdown on primary operating mode for
most K3S users is:  voice, cw, data, [like me, just] swl... mixed?  How
many use it strictly for contesting, and how many use it as their "daily
driver"?

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.  I can never seem to make it out of the house early enough for
the tests, most (if not all) of which are scheduled at some ungodly hour of
the morning, usually long before even the birds start waking.  Okay, maybe
not that early, but it sure seems awfully close...  Either way, that puts
the kabosh (for a bit at least) on contesting, let alone ragchewing.

The KX{2,3} is appealing as well, but as nice as they are, they don't offer
me an upgrade path, or rather, it's limited, and there's no general
coverage module; signal reception is (from what I understand) similar to
the K2 in that regard.  Portable, yes, and quite possibly lower down on the
list, but not something I want or need immediately.

I figured that I can get a K3S/10 with the K3 Panadapter, the general
coverage module, the 2.8Khz filter,  and the SVGA kit for the P3 for
~3400... the approximate cost (or a little under) for a used IC7700 or a
FTDX5000.  Argh, choices!!

Thanks again to all and 73
Reuben




On Sun, Jul 3, 2016 at 4:44 PM, Reuben Popp <[hidden email]> 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
>
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Clay Autery
Figure out your MAX budget for initial purchase...

Are you comfortable with a no solder assembly?

Buy a K3s and a P3...

Using your budget as a guide, put everything you can in the K3s first
(except the sub-receiver... that can wait)
Just use the 2.7 5 pole stock filter for now...
Add a 6kHz AM filter IF you get the General Coverage board so you can
hear AM radio stations well.

Stop adding things when the budget is topped...

Bottom Line...  just get the K3s/P3 and stop agonizing over it.  You
won't be sorry...

LOVE my (growing) K-Line!

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

On 7/17/2016 12:02 PM, Reuben Popp wrote:

> I'm curious to see/hear what the breakdown on primary operating mode for
> most K3S users is:  voice, cw, data, [like me, just] swl... mixed?  How
> many use it strictly for contesting, and how many use it as their "daily
> driver"?
>
> The KX{2,3} is appealing as well, but as nice as they are, they don't offer
> me an upgrade path, or rather, it's limited, and there's no general
> coverage module; signal reception is (from what I understand) similar to
> the K2 in that regard.  Portable, yes, and quite possibly lower down on the
> list, but not something I want or need immediately.
>
> I figured that I can get a K3S/10 with the K3 Panadapter, the general
> coverage module, the 2.8Khz filter,  and the SVGA kit for the P3 for
> ~3400... the approximate cost (or a little under) for a used IC7700 or a
> FTDX5000.  Argh, choices!!
>
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Reuben Popp
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

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Ian-2
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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Tim Seed
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
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Clay Autery
Roger that!  Buy the best tool you can afford and never have to buy
again is what my Dad taught me 40+ years ago....

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

On 7/17/2016 1:34 PM, a45wg wrote:

> 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]
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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K-Pod Usability

Ed Muns
In reply to this post by Tim Seed
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.

(For SO2V, another configuration is to run on VFO-B so that S&P is done on
VFO-A.  While this has the advantage of a larger tuning knob, it still
requires the hand to reach over the keyboard.)

First, it was much easier to simultaneously tune VFO-B with the K-Pod next
to my keyboard so that my hand could more easily move between it and the
keyboard as needed.  Of course, with my RTTY contest configuration, I seldom
need both hands on the keyboard.  Nearly all keyboard usage is simply
tapping keys to which messages are mapped, so one hand is sufficient.  (This
also makes SO2R RTTY easier than CW and SSB where more touch typing is
needed.)  RTTY callsigns are grabbed automatically without typing them.

I used to reach for the VFO-B knob on the K3 front panel which worked fine
but is much more awkward and time consuming than using the K-Pod next to the
keyboard.  It is easier to fine tune with the K-Pod than the normal VFO-B
knob, reaching over the keyboard with my hand suspended in mid-air.

Second, the rocker switch beneath the K-Pod tuning knob is ergonomically
excellent.  When a station would call me offset from my VFO-A frequency, I
simply used my thumb to temporarily define the K-Pod knob for RIT, zero-beat
the calling station, then move the rocker switch back to VFO-B, all while my
hand was still near the keyboard with minimal movement.  Since my QSL
message clears the RIT offset, I was ready for the next caller, hopefully
closer to zero-beat.  I also have one of the K-Pod buttons programmed to
clear the offset when needed, so again not having to reach over the keyboard
to press CLR on the K3 front panel.

The K-Pod is capable of much, much more functionality, but it is first
important that it perform basic functions like these in a significantly
better way than the radio front panel.  That's what I experienced!

Ed W0YK

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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Bob Novas
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
meh.  Buy the HF tool and if you use it and it breaks, buy the Snap-On variant.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Clay
> Autery
> Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2016 2:58 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S
>
> Roger that!  Buy the best tool you can afford and never have to buy again is
> what my Dad taught me 40+ years ago....
>
> ______________________
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> MONTAC Enterprises
> (318) 518-1389
>
> On 7/17/2016 1:34 PM, a45wg wrote:
> > 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
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> >> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >>
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> >> [hidden email]
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Guy Olinger K2AV
In reply to this post by Clay Autery
If I had a dollar for every time I dreamed beyond my present reach,
I'd be rich now. Dreaming out loud on a ham reflector before license
obtained is just a modern retread of an ancient pastime.

For someone who has high end boat anchor RX in his house, a rig with
an inferior RX will be readily apparent. If one can hear why an R390
is a great RX of the era, a low end Icom will not satisfy. For someone
who can hear R390 tubes getting soupy, a Flex 6700, an Icom 7851 and a
K3 do things right that CAN be heard if you know what to listen for.

Flex 6700  $7499
Icom 7851  $13099
Field upgradeable basic K3S/10 kit $2099

Of course if $2k is six months of spare money, a little more dicey.

But dreaming beyond your current reach ain't bad....

73, Guy K2AV

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 2:58 PM, Clay Autery <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Roger that!  Buy the best tool you can afford and never have to buy
> again is what my Dad taught me 40+ years ago....
>
> ______________________
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> MONTAC Enterprises
> (318) 518-1389
>
> On 7/17/2016 1:34 PM, a45wg wrote:
>> 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]
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Alan Bloom
On 07/17/2016 12:30 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:

> If one can hear why an R390
> is a great RX of the era, a low end Icom will not satisfy. For someone
> who can hear R390 tubes getting soupy, a Flex 6700, an Icom 7851 and a
> K3 do things right that CAN be heard if you know what to listen for.
>
> Flex 6700  $7499
> Icom 7851  $13099
> Field upgradeable basic K3S/10 kit $2099

Collins R390A $1500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collins-Designed-R-390A-Made-by-Electronic-Assistance-Corporation-/252419777443?hash=item3ac56423a3:g:h9cAAOSwuhhXWhyB

:=)

Alan N1AL


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Fwd: Help sell me on the K3S

Reuben Popp
These days and times, yes... back when I bought the first one it was $300
from Fair Radio.  I paid more for the CY-979A cabinets, the CV-591A SSB
converter and the accompanying LS-206U.  That said, it took a fair chunk
o'change to get the radio back into shape.  Spare modules in good working
condition are not cheap and not getting any cheaper the longer one waits.
Anyway, the point was when I started down that path I was in the process of
building my K2/10..  I wouldn't get rid of either to fund the purchase of
the other, at least, not at this point.

On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 4:16 PM, Alan Bloom <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 07/17/2016 12:30 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
>
> If one can hear why an R390
>> is a great RX of the era, a low end Icom will not satisfy. For someone
>> who can hear R390 tubes getting soupy, a Flex 6700, an Icom 7851 and a
>> K3 do things right that CAN be heard if you know what to listen for.
>>
>> Flex 6700  $7499
>> Icom 7851  $13099
>> Field upgradeable basic K3S/10 kit $2099
>>
>
> Collins R390A $1500
>
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collins-Designed-R-390A-Made-by-Electronic-Assistance-Corporation-/252419777443?hash=item3ac56423a3:g:h9cAAOSwuhhXWhyB
>
> :=)
>
> Alan N1AL
>
>
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Help sell me on the K3S

Edward A. Dauer
In reply to this post by Reuben Popp
I agree 100% with Jim (below).  Take all the energy you’re putting into this decision and devote it to getting your ticket.  There’ll be plenty left over for shopping.

I am not even sure a K3S is the best rig for SWLing.  It very well might be for operating as a licensed ham.  Join the club.

Ted, KN1CBR


------------------------------

Message: 27
Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2016 10:58:00 -0700
From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help sell me on the K3S
Message-ID:
        <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed

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




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Re: Help sell me on the K3S

Nr4c
In reply to this post by Ian-2
Nooooooooooooooooooooo!

Get the radio you want and learn to make it work for you. Buying a $2K radio and then buying $4-5K radio just adds $2K to the price and wastes  maybe 2 years in the process.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Jul 17, 2016, at 2:24 PM, 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]
>>
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12