[K3] K144XV-K 2-meter 10 watt module kit Questions

[Phil Hystad-3]

Regarding the K144XV-K 2-meter 10 watt module kit, I have a few questions:

(1) Does the excellent RX performance of the K3 translate into the 2-meter band.  I mean, would this option be a great weak signal 2 meter performer?


(2) I am thinking of using weak signal only, SSB and CW and probably mostly CW.  Are all the features of the K3 translated to the 2-meter range.  For example, break-in keying?  Is there anything that I would find missing?  I know, vague question.


(4) From reading the short spec (data sheet) brochure, it looks like the only modes mentioned are SSB, CW, and FM.  Are any other modes supported such as digital modes like PSK31 or RTTY?


(5) Does the K144XV-K share the same IF frequency and therefore the same filters I already have in my K3?  (if this is a dumb question I plead total ignorance of how this module fits into the K3).


(6)  Does anyone use an external amplifier, maybe something like a THP HL-350Vdx or others of similar ilk?  Any gotchas in this configuration?


Thanks for any help you can be.

73, phil, K7PEH

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[Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA]

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[Phil Hystad-3]

Thanks to Jeff and also to Dick Hanson who gave some answers as well.  

I do have the KTCX03-1 and I would definitely get the K144RFLK.  Thanks Jeff for pointing that out, I didn't even know it existed.  I should pay more attention to the Elecraft web site.  I might take it to bed with me tonight to read through (with my iPad of course).

73, phil, K7PEH


On Nov 8, 2011, at 9:06 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF wrote:

>  
> Hi Phil,
> My K3 #4257 has the 2m module installed and I think I can answer most of your questions for you.
>  
> 1. Emphatically yes, the K3 + K144XV combination is excellent for weak signal work.
> (But, you MUST get at least the K144RFLK and possibly get the KTCX03-1 to give you the frequency stability you need)
>  
> 2.Yes, it is a vague question but I think I know what your getting at, the answer is directly related to answer 1.
> All the K3's features translate to the 2M band and I don't think that you'll find anything missing.
>  
> 3. Nothing to see here folks.
>  
>  
> 4. Yes, all modes including RTTY, PSK31 etc are available with the k144XV. (If the K3 can do it on HF, it can do it on 2m.)
>  
> 5. Yes it does, all filters currently installed in your K3 will be available on 2M.
>  
> 6. Yes, I use a Mirage 1016G 160Watt amplifier with my K3 on 2M and with 2 Watts of drive I get 150Watts of power output.
> No gotchas that I know of, save for the fact that the Mirage can be a little 'dirty' if I drive it with more than 2Watts but thats not a fault in the K3, thats an issue with the amplifier.
>  
> I use my 2m module for both SSB and FM repeater work and it performs equally well on both. (I was amazed at the SSB sensitivity to be honest, it was a real eye opener)
>  
> I hope this helps,
> 73 de
> Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF
> East Innisfail
> QLD, Australia
> K3 #4257, P3#1629, KPA-500 #161
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Phil Hystad
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2011 12:51 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] K144XV-K 2-meter 10 watt module kit Questions
>
> Regarding the K144XV-K 2-meter 10 watt module kit, I have a few questions:
>
> (1) Does the excellent RX performance of the K3 translate into the 2-meter band.  I mean, would this option be a great weak signal 2 meter performer?
>
>
> (2) I am thinking of using weak signal only, SSB and CW and probably mostly CW.  Are all the features of the K3 translated to the 2-meter range.  For example, break-in keying?  Is there anything that I would find missing?  I know, vague question.
>
>
> (4) From reading the short spec (data sheet) brochure, it looks like the only modes mentioned are SSB, CW, and FM.  Are any other modes supported such as digital modes like PSK31 or RTTY?
>
>
> (5) Does the K144XV-K share the same IF frequency and therefore the same filters I already have in my K3?  (if this is a dumb question I plead total ignorance of how this module fits into the K3).
>
>
> (6)  Does anyone use an external amplifier, maybe something like a THP HL-350Vdx or others of similar ilk?  Any gotchas in this configuration?
>
>
> Thanks for any help you can be.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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