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K3: Upgrade or replace

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Bill-3

K3: Upgrade or replace

After reading all the posts about the improvements that can be made now
(and in the near future) to the K3, I find it difficult to decide
between a new K3S or to add the upgrades as they become available. I
have not set a list of improvement vs. costs to pen and paper yet ($$$$).

I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40. I am
fortunate, as my ambient noise lever here is well under 1 S unit. I use
external Behringer amplified speakers and have made many adjustments to
the EQ and other settings.

The K3 is by far the best receiver I have used in over 55 years of being
on the air. I have to wonder what I will gain with a new K3S, making the
upgrades to the K3 as they become available, or just continue as I am.
Money is not the object, but I don't spend if there is nothing to be gained.

I am thinking I am not alone in making this decision, although other
ham's use and circumstances may differ.

Bill W2BLC K-Line

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NK7Z

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

Bill,
For your usage, I would not even worry about replacing the K3 with a
K3S. Just upgrade the synthesizer, and that is about all you will need
for Rag Chewing, etc... Now, if you decide to start hunting DX, etc,
then you might start to worry...

I have a comparison between the old and new synthesizers at:

http://nk7z.net/wiki/elecraft-k3-macros/elecraft-k3-xlr-to-radio/elecraft-k3-new-synthesizer/

using P3 screen shots to show what happens before and after new
synthesizers are added to two different K3 rigs, at two different
stations, with antenna about 700 feet apart.

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
For Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
For MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Fri, 2015-07-10 at 09:07 -0400, Bill wrote:

> After reading all the posts about the improvements that can be made now
> (and in the near future) to the K3, I find it difficult to decide
> between a new K3S or to add the upgrades as they become available. I
> have not set a list of improvement vs. costs to pen and paper yet ($$$$).
>
> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40. I am
> fortunate, as my ambient noise lever here is well under 1 S unit. I use
> external Behringer amplified speakers and have made many adjustments to
> the EQ and other settings.
>
> The K3 is by far the best receiver I have used in over 55 years of being
> on the air. I have to wonder what I will gain with a new K3S, making the
> upgrades to the K3 as they become available, or just continue as I am.
> Money is not the object, but I don't spend if there is nothing to be gained.
>
> I am thinking I am not alone in making this decision, although other
> ham's use and circumstances may differ.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bill-3

Bill,

You are entirely correct, the K3 'as-is' is a great transceiver. Add the
new synthesizer(s) and you will have most of the performance improvement
available.
Look at the K3S FAQ for a good deal of additional information when
considering whether to upgrade or switch to the K3S - or to keep your K3
as it is now.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/10/2015 9:07 AM, Bill wrote:

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by NK7Z

Thanks for that very graphic display at the link
below, Dave.

Phil W7OX

On 7/10/15 6:18 AM, David Cole wrote:

> Bill,
> For your usage, I would not even worry about replacing the K3 with a
> K3S. Just upgrade the synthesizer, and that is about all you will need
> for Rag Chewing, etc... Now, if you decide to start hunting DX, etc,
> then you might start to worry...
>
> I have a comparison between the old and new synthesizers at:
>
> http://nk7z.net/wiki/elecraft-k3-macros/elecraft-k3-xlr-to-radio/elecraft-k3-new-synthesizer/
>
> using P3 screen shots to show what happens before and after new
> synthesizers are added to two different K3 rigs, at two different
> stations, with antenna about 700 feet apart.
>
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bill-3

On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.

For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
outboard ARR GasFET preamp.

73, Jim K9YC
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Oliver Dröse

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bill-3

Bill,

for your kind of use leave it as it is and save the money, buy shoes for
your wifey, etc. ;-) I doubt you will see any difference ragchewing with
the K3 and any of the new options.

73, Olli - DH8BQA

Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de

Am 10.07.2015 um 15:07 schrieb Bill:

> After reading all the posts about the improvements that can be made
> now (and in the near future) to the K3, I find it difficult to decide
> between a new K3S or to add the upgrades as they become available. I
> have not set a list of improvement vs. costs to pen and paper yet ($$$$).
>
> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40. I am
> fortunate, as my ambient noise lever here is well under 1 S unit. I
> use external Behringer amplified speakers and have made many
> adjustments to the EQ and other settings.
>
> The K3 is by far the best receiver I have used in over 55 years of
> being on the air. I have to wonder what I will gain with a new K3S,
> making the upgrades to the K3 as they become available, or just
> continue as I am. Money is not the object, but I don't spend if there
> is nothing to be gained.
>
> I am thinking I am not alone in making this decision, although other
> ham's use and circumstances may differ.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Scott Manthe-2

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bill-3

Aside from the new RF board, which includes a couple of extra attenuator
steps and a lower noise floor, many of the critical K3S upgrades are
available for the K3. To acquire a K3S that is configured similarly to
my K3, I'd have to spend almost $4600, and to do all that currently
available upgrades, I will have about $3600 in my K3. This leaves $1000
difference. We'll see how much the KIO3B and DSP boards cost, but to me,
I'm not sure I can justify the cost difference for a couple of
attenuator steps, a slightly better noise floor, and a nice bezel,
especially since I'll lose a few bucks if I try to sell my K3.

In fact, I'd like to see an upgraded "K3" marked black bezel for current
K3 owners. Its does look nice, and would look nicer with black screws...

73,
Scott N9AA

On 7/10/15 9:07 AM, Bill wrote:

Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA)-2

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Oliver Dröse

Bill
I'd say Oliver is right. The basic K3 is so good that you will not really notice the difference for your use. You wont even have any problem if you start chase difficult DX. You will never have to give up copying a rare CW DX station even in difficult situations just because you didnt have the low noise synth (agree - its a postulate).
/Paul
OZ4UN

> On 10 Jul 2015, at 18:59, Oliver Dröse <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Bill,
>
> for your kind of use leave it as it is and save the money, buy shoes for your wifey, etc. ;-) I doubt you will see any difference ragchewing with the K3 and any of the new options.
>
> 73, Olli - DH8BQA
>
> Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de
>
>
>> Am 10.07.2015 um 15:07 schrieb Bill:
>> After reading all the posts about the improvements that can be made now (and in the near future) to the K3, I find it difficult to decide between a new K3S or to add the upgrades as they become available. I have not set a list of improvement vs. costs to pen and paper yet ($$$$).
>>
>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40. I am fortunate, as my ambient noise lever here is well under 1 S unit. I use external Behringer amplified speakers and have made many adjustments to the EQ and other settings.
>>
>> The K3 is by far the best receiver I have used in over 55 years of being on the air. I have to wonder what I will gain with a new K3S, making the upgrades to the K3 as they become available, or just continue as I am. Money is not the object, but I don't spend if there is nothing to be gained.
>>
>> I am thinking I am not alone in making this decision, although other ham's use and circumstances may differ.
>>
>> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

Although not owning one.......yet.......K3S........If one wishes to
improve their station and they have a K3........spend money on your
antenna system. Even if it means selling your real estate and moving to
a better location.

73 Bob, K4TAX

On 7/10/2015 1:26 PM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:
> Bill
> I'd say Oliver is right. The basic K3 is so good that you will not really notice the difference for your use. You wont even have any problem if you start chase difficult DX. You will never have to give up copying a rare CW DX station even in difficult situations just because you didnt have the low noise synth (agree - its a postulate).
> /Paul
> OZ4UN
>

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I agree with Jim - for the same reasons.

After updating the synthesizer(s) and replacing the KVX3/KXV3A
with the KXV3B, if one updates the KBPF3 "general coverage"
bandpass filter board(s) and adds the regulator bypass capacitors,
there are only four remaining "performance" upgrades between an
updated K3 and a K3S - all of which are minor:

1) modified bias in the speaker amplifier *driver* (not the amp
itself) for improved linearity. This does not affect the power
output or frequency response.
2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
measurable on the air.
4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.

The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
*high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
"dirty" (cheap) amateur products.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-07-10 12:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.
>
> For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
> the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
> K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
> the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
> outboard ARR GasFET preamp.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

Scott Manthe-2

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

And the KIO3B will be available for K3 owners, should they wish to make
that change.

There is no doubt that the K3S is an improved radio, but whether those
improvements are worth the associated costs in selling a K3 and buying a
K3S is open for debate, given that many of the most important
improvements are available as upgrades to the K3. I think this actually
falls in line with what Eric and Wayne have always promised: There would
be an upgrade path available to current K3 owners whenever a new radio
became available. This seems to be the case. While K3 owners cannot
upgrade directly to make their current K3 a K3S, the updates available
get us pretty close. And that's fair enough, in my mind anyway.

73,
Scott N9AA

On 7/10/15 3:26 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Right on, Bob! And perhaps moving to a less noisy
QTH for some :-)

73, Phil W7OX

On 7/10/15 11:37 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:

> Although not owning
> one.......yet.......K3S........If one wishes to
> improve their station and they have a
> K3........spend money on your antenna system.
> Even if it means selling your real estate and
> moving to a better location.
>
> 73 Bob, K4TAX
>
> On 7/10/2015 1:26 PM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA)
> wrote:
>> Bill
>> I'd say Oliver is right. The basic K3 is so
>> good that you will not really notice the
>> difference for your use. You wont even have any
>> problem if you start chase difficult DX. You
>> will never have to give up copying a rare CW DX
>> station even in difficult situations just
>> because you didnt have the low noise synth
>> (agree - its a postulate).
>> /Paul
>> OZ4UN

wayne burdick

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

Administrator

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

> 1) modified bias in the speaker amplifier *driver* (not the amp
> itself) for improved linearity.

The power amp itself has in fact been updated. And there's a new AF driver stage.

Wayne

> This does not affect the power
> output or frequency response.
> 2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
> does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
> 3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
> two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
> measurable on the air.
> 4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.
>
> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>> On 2015-07-10 12:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
>>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.
>>
>> For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
>> the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
>> K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
>> the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
>> outboard ARR GasFET preamp.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

OK, my misunderstanding ...

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-07-10 7:18 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

>> 1) modified bias in the speaker amplifier *driver* (not the amp
>> itself) for improved linearity.
>
> The power amp itself has in fact been updated. And there's a new AF driver stage.
>
> Wayne
>
>
>> This does not affect the power
>> output or frequency response.
>> 2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>> does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>> 3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>> two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
>> measurable on the air.
>> 4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.
>>
>> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
>> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
>> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
>> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
>> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
>> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
>> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
>> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>>> On 2015-07-10 12:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>> On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
>>>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.
>>>
>>> For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
>>> the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
>>> K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
>>> the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
>>> outboard ARR GasFET preamp.
>>>
>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>> 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

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

I am using two K3's in my remote system. If I want to upgrade the syn boards, do I need to do the control radio as well as the remote radio?
Also the remote radio has the sub receiver, which I use very infrequently, remotely. Do I still need to do both boards in that rig? Thanks.
John, N0IJ
Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 10, 2015, at 6:18 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

>> 1) modified bias in the speaker amplifier *driver* (not the amp
>> itself) for improved linearity.
>
> The power amp itself has in fact been updated. And there's a new AF driver stage.
>
> Wayne
>
>
>> This does not affect the power
>> output or frequency response.
>> 2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>> does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>> 3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>> two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
>> measurable on the air.
>> 4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.
>>
>> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
>> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
>> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
>> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
>> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
>> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
>> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
>> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>>>> On 2015-07-10 12:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>> On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
>>>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.
>>>
>>> For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
>>> the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
>>> K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
>>> the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
>>> outboard ARR GasFET preamp.
>>>
>>> 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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>
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

John,

Since the K3 that is operating in your local shack is only operating as
a 'terminal head', you will not find any improvement by upgrading its
synthesizer boards.

Yes, you need to change both boards if your K3 has the KRX3 installed -
it will not work right with mixed synth boards.

I would advocate changing the synth boards in both your local K3 and the
remote - unless you never use your local K3 standalone.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/10/2015 9:21 PM, John via Elecraft wrote:

> I am using two K3's in my remote system. If I want to upgrade the syn boards, do I need to do the control radio as well as the remote radio?
> Also the remote radio has the sub receiver, which I use very infrequently, remotely. Do I still need to do both boards in that rig? Thanks.
> John, N0IJ
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jul 10, 2015, at 6:18 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>>> 1) modified bias in the speaker amplifier *driver* (not the amp
>>> itself) for improved linearity.
>> The power amp itself has in fact been updated. And there's a new AF driver stage.
>>
>> Wayne
>>
>>
>>> This does not affect the power
>>> output or frequency response.
>>> 2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>>> does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>>> 3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>>> two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
>>> measurable on the air.
>>> 4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.
>>>
>>> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
>>> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
>>> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
>>> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
>>> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
>>> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
>>> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
>>> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>>>> On 2015-07-10 12:21 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>> On Fri,7/10/2015 6:07 AM, Bill wrote:
>>>>> I am not a DXer or contester - merely a rag chewer on 75 and 40.
>>>> For your operating interests, the only thing I would do is upgrade to
>>>> the new synth board. I consider that 90% of the difference between the
>>>> K3 and K3S. I did that, and because 6M is important to me, I also bought
>>>> the new KXV3B to get the new preamp. I had previously been using an
>>>> outboard ARR GasFET preamp.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
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Bill Frantz

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

5) The KAT3A includes a relay which bypasses the tuner when
using a matched antenna. I have no idea how much extra power
will get to the antenna due to the relay, but it seems hard to
imagine it will be very many dB. Regardless, I'm glad that when
I ordered the KAT3, they shipped a KAT3A. I tend to operate QRP
in contests.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/10/15 at 12:26 PM, [hidden email] (Joe Subich, W4TV) wrote:

>I agree with Jim - for the same reasons.
>
>After updating the synthesizer(s) and replacing the KVX3/KXV3A
>with the KXV3B, if one updates the KBPF3 "general coverage"
>bandpass filter board(s) and adds the regulator bypass capacitors,
>there are only four remaining "performance" upgrades between an
>updated K3 and a K3S - all of which are minor:
>
>1) [Modified AF output chain]*.
>2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
>measurable on the air.
>4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.

* Wayne offered corrections to Joe's statement. I believe my
replacement is correct.

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Bill Frantz | If the site is supported by | Periwinkle
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CA 95032

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Hisashi T Fujinaka

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Remember the "cheap" interface isn't the most "inexpensive" interface.
It's just a bit underdesigned (trying to be polite here).

On Fri, 10 Jul 2015, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> The other change is the KIO3B which provides the option of an
> internal USB interface for radio control and USB CODEC ("sound
> card"). A traditional RS-232 interface is more flexible and a
> *high quality* external sound card or *well designed* audio
> interface *may* provide a somewhat lower noise floor (better
> SNR/dynamic range). Most users will probably not notice a
> performance boost unless they are using one of the notoriously
> "dirty" (cheap) amateur products.

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3: Upgrade or replace

In reply to this post by Bill Frantz

I would guess..... the matched tuner loss vs. the bypass tuner would be
in the order of 0.1 dB or so. At 100 watts that is about 2.5 watts
loss. So with the tuner bypassed, 100 watts to the feed line and with
the matched tuner active would be about 97.5 watts to the feed line.

73 Bob, K4TAX

On 7/10/2015 9:41 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:

> 5) The KAT3A includes a relay which bypasses the tuner when using a
> matched antenna. I have no idea how much extra power will get to the
> antenna due to the relay, but it seems hard to imagine it will be very
> many dB. Regardless, I'm glad that when I ordered the KAT3, they
> shipped a KAT3A. I tend to operate QRP in contests.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 7/10/15 at 12:26 PM, [hidden email] (Joe Subich, W4TV) wrote:
>
>> I agree with Jim - for the same reasons.
>>
>> After updating the synthesizer(s) and replacing the KVX3/KXV3A
>> with the KXV3B, if one updates the KBPF3 "general coverage"
>> bandpass filter board(s) and adds the regulator bypass capacitors,
>> there are only four remaining "performance" upgrades between an
>> updated K3 and a K3S - all of which are minor:
>>
>> 1) [Modified AF output chain]*.
>> 2) 5/10/15 dB stepping on the *main receiver* attenuator (this
>> does not affect the KRX3 which remains at 0/10dB)
>> 3) improved isolation on the main RF board due to a change from
>> two to four layer construction. The difference is probably not
>> measurable on the air.
>> 4) a change in RF output devices in the KPA3 - difference TBD.
>
> * Wayne offered corrections to Joe's statement. I believe my
> replacement is correct.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | If the site is supported by | Periwinkle
> (408)356-8506 | ads, you are the product. | 16345 Englewood Ave
> www.pwpconsult.com | | Los Gatos, CA 95032
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>