K3 Purchase and Accessories Questions

[pastormg]

I am just finalizing what I might need on a new K3.  They have an option called the KUSB which I assume in a USB Port for upgrading the firmware.  I already have a  USB to Serial Port adapter that I have used on my TS-480S.  Would the KUSB be necessary?

Also I am not much of a CW operator but do operate PSK31.  I see an option for either a 5 pole 500 HZ filter or a 8 pole 400HZ filter.  Which would work well with this particular mode.  I also like to operate the other digital modes also.

And, I am more of a SSB operator as of the past few years.  I see that the K3 has standard a 2.7 HZ filter which I assume is 8 Pole but then again I'm not sure.  But there is also an option for a 8 pole 2.8 HZ filter.  Which would work the best for this mode?

Finally I will need to hook up my Amp. which is an Alpha 8410.  I'm not sure exactly what the cable is that I am using currently on my TS-480s,  But has anyone connected a K3 with an Alpha 8410.  And if so where did you purchase your connection cable?

I appreciate any advice I will recieve.  Mark KB3Z
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[Don Cunningham]

Mark,
The KUSB is Elecraft's USB to serial adapter.  I would try yours first to
see if it works before buying another one.  Elecraft's uses FTDI chips now
and works well, however.

I use the 400hz 8 pole filter for RTTY, for PSK 31 you will probably want to
see the whole range of avaliable stations, so the SSB filter would be better
in my mind.

The 2.7 khz filter is 5 pole, the 2.8 is 8 pole.  I chose the 2.8 8 pole as
you do all the transmitting through it and I want a clean signal.

The cable from the K3 to the 8410, which I also use, is a simple RCA to RCA
cable shielded (Radio Shack or others).  No need to buy an expensive
interface.  Works quite well at whatever power level you choose!!

73 and good luck with your K3,
Don, WB5HAK

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[Jim Brown-10]

  On 9/30/2010 10:45 AM, Don Cunningham wrote:
> I use the 400hz 8 pole filter for RTTY, for PSK 31 you will probably want to
> see the whole range of avaliable stations, so the SSB filter would be better
> in my mind.
Not necessarily. While using a wideband 2.7kHz IF and letting the PSK31
decoding software do the filtering in DSP is certainly the most common
way to work PSK31, you can gain a lot of signal to noise ratio by using
a very narrow IF filter. This would be especially useful under tough
noise conditions or heavy QRM.

It's also important to realize that the optional filters you buy are
ROOFING filters that protect the IF from overload by strong signals in
its passband, which can be QRM or QRN (either local noise or static
crashes).  IF filtering is provided by DSP, so you can set anything you
want by turning a knob. Seasoned operators have generally settled on the
stock 2.7 kHz filter, the 1.8 kHz filter for serious SSB contesting or
DXing, and the 400 Hz filter for CW. Those who are even more serious
contesters also use the 250 Hz filter for CW and RTTY.  That's the
collection I use.

Filters are easy to add later if you only have one RX, so 2.7 kHz plus
400 Hz is a really good starting point. If, however, you have the Sub RX
installed, you want to do it right away, because it is a real PITA to do
ANYTHING inside the radio, even something as simple as changing filters.
That's because the sub-RX is a real "shoe-horn job."

73, Jim K9YC

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[Don Cunningham]

Sorry to the group.  I meant to send my advice to Mark off reflector and hit
the wrong button.  I knew one of the "guru's" would disagree with something
I said, and I usually avoid posting here for that reason.  Again, my
apologies, won't happen again.  If any of my stuff might happen to be
useful, only the asker will get the advantage of it.  So it goes.........
73,
Don

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[Jim Brown-10]

  There is great benefit from peer review, especially if those doing the
reviewing have great knowledge of the topic. I have learned a LOT over
the years by posting what I think I know, and having good people point
out things that I missed or got wrong.

73, Jim K9YC

On 9/30/2010 1:18 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
> Yup, less problem ... also less risk, less learned, less taught.
>
> The world is not improved by those who insist on standing on the
> sidelines or hiding in the shadows.

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[AC7AC]

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