K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters -
Stock 2.7KHz KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module AM 6KHz FM 12KHz CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) Not having much CW experience and my current radio only using a 2.7KHz wide filter for CW (Rx only), I'm not sure which narrow filter to equip the K3 with. What's recommended for someone who will only use CW intermittently and not for contesting? (General purpose use I suppose). It's worth mentioning that I'm yet to learn morse but certainly appreciate it's worth and plan to use it. Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's main receiver? I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm not sure if the KBF3 fills one of these slots. If not, should I consider an alternative additional filter? 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 pole filter and the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I understand the skirts of the 8 pole filter's passband will be steeper but is this noticeable? Thanks, Shane VK5ABQ |
Re: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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Even if you don't use CW very often, you may find the 400 hz filter
useful for digital modes. You don't have to get all of the filters right away of course. I'm not sure I'll ever get the FM filter, because I just can't see myself using a K3 for FM. My K3 only has the 2.7 kHz and the 400 Hz filters so far. 73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R On Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 9:05 AM, Shane White <[hidden email]> wrote: > > 1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters - > > Stock 2.7KHz > KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module > AM 6KHz > FM 12KHz > CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) > > Not having much CW experience and my current radio only using a 2.7KHz wide > filter for CW (Rx only), I'm not sure which narrow filter to equip the K3 > with. What's recommended for someone who will only use CW intermittently and > not for contesting? (General purpose use I suppose). It's worth mentioning > that I'm yet to learn morse but certainly appreciate it's worth and plan to > use it. > > Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's main receiver? > I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm not sure if the KBF3 fills > one of these slots. If not, should I consider an alternative additional > filter? > > 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 pole filter and > the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I understand the skirts of the 8 > pole filter's passband will be steeper but is this noticeable? > > Thanks, > Shane > VK5ABQ > -- > View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Choosing-which-filters-to-buy-tp18111978p18111978.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Joseph I plan to use the FM filter to receive local medium wave AM broadcast stations (switch in the 12KHz FM filter and then use the DSP to reduce the IF bandwidth to 9KHz or so). I can listen to nice audio while having breakfast each morning then.
Thanks, I had overlooked the filter for digital modes.
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RE: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
The FM filter's bandwidth is 13 kHz wide, not 12. This becomes important
when you configure filters and want to transmit on FM. And the 13 kHz FM filter MUST be installed in position FL1 if you're going to transmit on FM. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Shane White Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:06 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Choosing which filters to buy 1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters - Stock 2.7KHz KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module AM 6KHz FM 12KHz CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) Not having much CW experience and my current radio only using a 2.7KHz wide filter for CW (Rx only), I'm not sure which narrow filter to equip the K3 with. What's recommended for someone who will only use CW intermittently and not for contesting? (General purpose use I suppose). It's worth mentioning that I'm yet to learn morse but certainly appreciate it's worth and plan to use it. Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's main receiver? I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm not sure if the KBF3 fills one of these slots. If not, should I consider an alternative additional filter? 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 pole filter and the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I understand the skirts of the 8 pole filter's passband will be steeper but is this noticeable? Thanks, Shane VK5ABQ -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Choosing-which-filters-to-buy-tp18111978p1811197 8.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
RE: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
> Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's > main receiver? I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm > not sure if the KBF3 fills one of these slots. If not, should > I consider an alternative additional filter? The KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module is not a first IF filter - it is a front end bandpass filter module - and does not use one of the five "filter slots." If you are planning to use the 12 KHz filter for AM, I do not know that also need the 6 KHz filter unless you are planning for ESSB use in the future. > 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 > pole filter and the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I > understand the skirts of the 8 pole filter's passband will be > steeper but is this noticeable? Yes, when the band is crowded and you have very strong signals +/- 1.5 KHz or more. However, for 90%+ of CW and digital (RTTY) operation you will not notice the narrower first IF filter. The 500 Hz 5-pole filter is a suitable alternate to the 400 Hz 8-pole at a slightly lower cost. My K3 has the FM, 2.8 KHz, 500 and 200 Hz filters. I see no need for the 6 KHz filter and rarely use the 200 Hz filter (but I expect to use it on 80/160 in the contests). I can't see a need for any of the other filters but I'm keeping my options open with regard to a 1.5 or 1.8 KHz narrow SSB filter (or the variable width filters if/when they are available). 73, ... Joe, W4TV > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Shane White > Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:06 AM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Choosing which filters to buy > > > > 1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters - > > Stock 2.7KHz > KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module > AM 6KHz > FM 12KHz > CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) > > Not having much CW experience and my current radio only using > a 2.7KHz wide filter for CW (Rx only), I'm not sure which > narrow filter to equip the K3 with. What's recommended for > someone who will only use CW intermittently and not for > contesting? (General purpose use I suppose). It's worth > mentioning that I'm yet to learn morse but certainly > appreciate it's worth and plan to use it. > > Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's > main receiver? I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm > not sure if the KBF3 fills one of these slots. If not, should > I consider an alternative additional filter? > > 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 > pole filter and the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I > understand the skirts of the 8 pole filter's passband will be > steeper but is this noticeable? > > Thanks, > Shane > VK5ABQ > -- > View this message in context: > http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Choosing-which-filters-to-buy-tp18 Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
Remember that whatever 'roofing' filters you get you will still have
DSP filtering down to 50 Hz. My K3 will be used almost exclusively for CW and SWL/AM bcst. So I got the 13 KHz filter for AM reception, along with the 500 Hz filter and the stock 2.7. Maybe I'll get the 200 or 250 at some point, figuring that for CW in those rare instances when the 500 5-pole isn't good enough the narrower filter will save the day. 73, Drew AF2Z On Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:05:59 -0700 (PDT), Shane VK5ABQ wrote: > >1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters - > >Stock 2.7KHz >KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module >AM 6KHz >FM 12KHz >CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
I would go for the 500Hz filter. I'm not sure that it is worth the extra for the 400Hz, especially if your needs (like mine) are not all that demanding. As has been pointed out, you have the DSP if you need narrower bandwidths. But it does make a difference - nearby signals suddenly vanish when I get to the 500Hz point. I'd be interested to know that as well. I guess someone would have to install both in the radio at the same time to see if there was a difference (assuming that was possible and didn't confuse the firmware.) Has anyone tried it? When looked at on Spectrogram the 5-pole filter response bulges out on one side at about 30dB down. A couple of people noticed it. But, again, you have the DSP providing most of the selectivity, so it probably depends more on how fussy you are and how willing to spend the extra bucks.
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html |
RE: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
Shane ...
The most cost effective general purpose CW filter is the 500 Hz. I have one and would recommend it. For most everyone, the difference in shape factor between the 5 pole and the 8 pole filters will not be a practical issue with the DSP filtering. However, please be advised that relatively recent new twists have been added. It now turns out that if you are interested in either diversity reception with the K3 sub receiver or in using the N8LP panadapter accessory, there may be advantages in using only 8 pole filters. It has to do with the variable offsets of the 5 pole filters. I'm not knowledgeable enough about either diversity or panadapters to understand the nuances, but if you intend to use either of these capabilities you may want to go with the more expensive 8 pole filters. ... Craig AC0DS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
I do not plan to use my K3 for FM or AM so I went with these filters.
2.7 stock 1.8 still waiting 1.0 400 200 In the 2nd rcv 2.7 stock 400 The 2.7 filter has worked fine. I will have a better feel for it after FD and some other contests. I have been using the 1.0 and 2.7 mainly on cw under non crowded conditions. Mike W0MU -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Shane White Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:06 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Choosing which filters to buy 1. I plan to configure my K3 with the following filters - Stock 2.7KHz KBF3 General Coverage RX Filter Module AM 6KHz FM 12KHz CW 400Hz 8 pole (uncertain about this filter) Not having much CW experience and my current radio only using a 2.7KHz wide filter for CW (Rx only), I'm not sure which narrow filter to equip the K3 with. What's recommended for someone who will only use CW intermittently and not for contesting? (General purpose use I suppose). It's worth mentioning that I'm yet to learn morse but certainly appreciate it's worth and plan to use it. Are those filters I've listed above all I can fit in the K3's main receiver? I think I read that it had 5 filter slots. I'm not sure if the KBF3 fills one of these slots. If not, should I consider an alternative additional filter? 2. Can users distinguish the difference between the 2.7KHz 5 pole filter and the 2.8KHz 8 pole filter when using the K3? I understand the skirts of the 8 pole filter's passband will be steeper but is this noticeable? Thanks, Shane VK5ABQ -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Choosing-which-filters-to-buy-tp18111978p1811197 8.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: K3: Choosing which filters to buy
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In reply to this post by VK5ABQ
Reading the responses to the cw question, I get the feeling that most people are still thinking you need a cw filter to get a narrow bandwidth. In a K3, the filter is a roofing filter, DSP will still provide a narrow passband. (As one poster noted.)
Given your intended usage, I would not buy a cw filter. Just will the stock 2.7khz roofing filter and DSP you have as good selectivity as most ham receivers with narrow cw filter. You would have to encounter a very strong signal within the passband of the 2.7Khz filter but outside the bandwidth of the 400/500 hz CW filter for it to matter. And by very strong, I mean one capable of causing cross modulation. At least that my understanding of how the K3 works. 73, Tom K6EU
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