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K3: advice about options to buy?

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VK7JB

K3: advice about options to buy?

Hello group,

My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular kit. I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.

My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and the KAT3.

My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option?

About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives: there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.

John
VK7JB

Johnny Siu

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

No, nothing to be added. U are good enough.

Johnny

Sent from my iPhone 4

VK7JB <[hidden email]> 於 2011年1月5日下午5:11 寫道：

>
> Hello group,
>
> My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular kit.
> I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.
>
> My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need
> to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a
> K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and
> the KAT3.
>
> My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment
> in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7
> filter swap option?
>
> About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
> operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
> proficient in CW.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives:
> there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.
>
> John
> VK7JB
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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Johnny Siu

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

I mean kat3 + kbpf3 are good enough for u.

Sent from my iPhone 4

VK7JB <[hidden email]> 於 2011年1月5日下午5:11 寫道：

John Ragle

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

Hello, John...

I have just such a device as the one you describe...a K3/100
without the KTCX03-1 and with the normal factory filters. The only
serious add-in that my box carries is a K144XV internal transverter
(more on that anon). I operate a little SSB, more CW, and a lot of other
digital, e.g. BPSKxx (31 and 63 mostly), Olivia, Feld Hell, WSJT, etc. I
find that this combination works wonderfully for me. The 400 Hz filter
is fine for the most demanding CW, but mostly my machine stays with the
wide filter (FL1).

Now, about the internal 2 meter transverter. This was a Christmas
present from the wife. It installed very well, and seems to function
superbly. Unfortunately, the 10 watt (actually 9 watts in my case) is
not sufficient to drive my 2 meter amp to more than about 60% power. I
would have been better off with the external transverter, and I may just
get one.

The only downside to the external one is that it makes portable
operation a bit more complex...more cables, more pieces, and so on...but
one could argue that it is unlikely that I would carry the external
transverter anyhow, since the high-power 2 meter amp and its gargantuan
power supply (60 lbs) are never going to go portable. You can see that I
am bedeviled by this matter. [not the Tasmanian kind!]

I believe you would be perfectly happy with a plain-vanilla version
of the K3/100.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

P.S. Wasn't the K2/100 a blast? I also built one from scratch and loved
it. During a misguided fit of anti-Luddite sentiment, I swapped it off
for a Flex 3000, which was a SERIOUS mistake, rectified by purchase of
my K3/100. I won't say that I sent the Flex to Botany Bay, just to San
Francisco Bay...

=====

On 1/5/2011 4:11 AM, VK7JB wrote:

> Hello group,
>
> My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular kit.
> I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.
>
> My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need
> to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a
> K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and
> the KAT3.
>
> My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment
> in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7
> filter swap option?
>
> About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
> operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
> proficient in CW.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives:
> there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.
>
> John
> VK7JB

Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

John,

No need for the high stability reference. The basic one is also a good
piece of work.
The 2.7 filter is fine in ssb.

For CW/data add a 400Hz roofing filter or so (depending on your normal
operating BW). You will need it in a busy band.
(My 2cts worth)

73
Arie PA3A

Op 5-1-2011 10:11, VK7JB schreef:

Johnny Siu

K3: advice about options to buy?

K3 is said to be having a better DSP filter than its competitors. Therefore,
even for CW operation, the DSP could further narrow the BW hence additional
crystal filter such as 400Hz may not be necessary under most of the
circumstances.

KAT3 is necessary. Under most circumstances, ATU can both act as a preselector
and an additional protection between the radio and antenna.

No matter whether I have a matched antenna, I always engage KAT3 and don't mind
the tiny insertion loss. In case, there were something wrong with my antenna
which I did not realise, I could sacrifice my KAT3 to save the radio.

I do not favour the proposition of no ATU for a matched antenna.

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC

________________________________
寄件人﹕ Arie Kleingeld PA3A <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ [hidden email]
傳送日期﹕ 2011/1/5 (三) 6:24:11 PM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?

John,

No need for the high stability reference. The basic one is also a good
piece of work.
The 2.7 filter is fine in ssb.

For CW/data add a 400Hz roofing filter or so (depending on your normal
operating BW). You will need it in a busy band.
(My 2cts worth)

73
Arie PA3A

Op 5-1-2011 10:11, VK7JB schreef:

______________________________________________________________

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Craig Smith

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

Good decision on buying the K3, John - you will love it!

For your intended usage, your option selections will be fairly
straight-forward. Good choice on the internal tuner - it is great.

You will save lots of $$ by not needing to buy many roofing filters. The
stock 2.7 KHz should meet 90% of your needs. If your intent to do more CW
comes to pass, then the 400 Hz would be my recommendation. With these two
filters, you should be all set.

The General Coverage BPF option is a good one to have. In addition to
opening up the K3 for BCB and SW listening, it will allow its use as a piece
of high quality test equipment. You will have ability for calibrated RF
voltage measurement over entire HF spectrum. But I HIGHLY recommend also
purchasing the KXVA3 option. This will give you higher sensitivity on MW
and also allow you to bring out the K3 IF for use with the P3, etc. At
$110, this is perhaps the biggest bang for the buck of all the K4 options.

No need for the high stability reference option.

If you have the $$ now, or if you want to anticipate a future purchase, then
go for the P3 - it is AWESOME.

Enjoy the K3 and 73 Craig AC0DS

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Johnny Siu

advice about options to buy?

Oh, just one small thing.

Look at the shipping cost as well. The shipping cost per kg is cheaper if you
order more stuff at one time.

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC

________________________________
寄件人﹕ Craig D. Smith <[hidden email]>
收件人﹕ VK7JB <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
傳送日期﹕ 2011/1/5 (三) 9:26:50 PM
主題： Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?

Good decision on buying the K3, John - you will love it!

For your intended usage, your option selections will be fairly
straight-forward. Good choice on the internal tuner - it is great.

You will save lots of $$ by not needing to buy many roofing filters. The
stock 2.7 KHz should meet 90% of your needs. If your intent to do more CW
comes to pass, then the 400 Hz would be my recommendation. With these two
filters, you should be all set.

The General Coverage BPF option is a good one to have. In addition to
opening up the K3 for BCB and SW listening, it will allow its use as a piece
of high quality test equipment. You will have ability for calibrated RF
voltage measurement over entire HF spectrum. But I HIGHLY recommend also
purchasing the KXVA3 option. This will give you higher sensitivity on MW
and also allow you to bring out the K3 IF for use with the P3, etc. At
$110, this is perhaps the biggest bang for the buck of all the K4 options.

No need for the high stability reference option.

If you have the $$ now, or if you want to anticipate a future purchase, then
go for the P3 - it is AWESOME.

Enjoy the K3 and 73 Craig AC0DS

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Bill W4ZV

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

VK7JB wrote

My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7 filter swap option?

About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more proficient in CW.

1. Definitely not the KTCX03-1. This is a waste of money for a casual operator and is unnecessary for HF operation (but possibly needed for some VHF uses). If your shack is kept at a relatively constant temperature and you allow a reasonable warmup time, your properly calibrated VFO will typically be within 1 Hz at HF even with the standard TCXO.

2. You will need a CW filter if you ever expect to have S9+25 signals within ~3 kHz of your CW or digital frequency. If you don't have one, your AGC will "pump" when strong signals are near. For casual operation, you might consider the $90 5-pole 500 Hz filter instead of the $131 8-pole 400 Hz.

3. For casual operation the 2.8<>2.7 filter swap is unnecessary (I don't have this in either of my K3s).

4. I don't have a KAT3 in my shack K3 since I'm always driving a tuned input linear and my antennas are resonant anyway. However my K3 configured for portable/expedition use does have the KAT3. At $300 (kit) or $330 (assembled), it's worthwhile to think carefully about whether you really need an ATU.

The beauty of the K3's modular configuration is that you're not forced to pay for options that you may seldom if ever use (e.g. AM, FM, general coverage in my case). However, unless money is no object, careful consideration before you place your order can save you a lot of money.

Some people say the K3 is a $4-5k rig, but it need not cost that much if carefully configured. For example my shack K3 cost about $3k (even with KRX3) and my portable unit cost about $2.4k (including KAT3).

73, Bill

P.S. I would strongly suggest you build the kit version. You'll not only save $300 but you'll learn a lot in the process and will not be afraid to do hardware updates, make repairs or add modules later.

Nr4c

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

OK, you are just about to buy, and want ideas. Here goes.

You've indicated the General Coverage module. If you are going to get
that, I'd suggest you also get the 6khz filter so you can take
advantage of all the AM broadcasts you'll be hearing. The 2.8/7 filter
just won't work with AM.

I felt that the K3 was probably the best radio I could find and
decided to go with the 8 pole filters all the way. Bought the
2.8-8pole right off the bat. As I buy filters, i'll only get the 8
poles. Figured I'd always wonder if they would have made a difference
later.

I like the DVR a lot. You may think about this but it is easy to
install as you go from the beginning.

By all means get the ATU option. The KAT3 is the best ATU on the
market for a built-in ATU. It is fast, very quiet and accurate. And it
will tune just about anything.

I'm not sure what i think about the high end ref oscillator. I did not
get this, and my radio is as accurate as I can tell, and I don't
notice any drift.

One item I'd suggest is the P3. I just got mine and I think it makes
the radio a lot more fun to operate. And, it is great to be able to
see what is going on on the bands. Don't forget you need the KXV3(a)
interface module to make this work. It also opens up the option of a
rec only antenna.

As for other filters, I'd suggest waiting until you find you need
them. I so far have only the 3.8 standard one. i'm about to buy some
but can't determine what ones to get. The DSP filtering is so good, it
is hard to imagine that a real filter will make a difference.

There, I've spent about $4000 of your hard earned money, but you Will
have a radio you'll be proud of, And you'll be working with a group of
developers who are on top of pack. The support team at Elecraft is the
best in the industry.

...bc nr4c

Quoting VK7JB <[hidden email]>:

>
> Hello group,
>
> My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular kit.
> I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.
>
> My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely need
> to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built a
> K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and
> the KAT3.
>
> My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment
> in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7
> filter swap option?
>
> About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
> operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
> proficient in CW.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives:
> there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.
>
> John
> VK7JB
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5891397.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Craig Smith

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

NR4C's advice on an additional filter if you plan on doing much SW or MW
listening is good, and something I overlooked in my first response. While
you can achieve quite good results using USB or LSB in conjunction with the
2.7 KHz roofing filter, a wider filter for use with AM RX will be more
satisfying if you plan to do much of it. But I would recommend the 15 KHz
"FM" filter for this purpose rather than the 6 KHz filter. Only get the 6
KHz if you plan on TRANSMITTING on AM. For RX, the 15 KHz filter will allow
you to obtain the full 10 KHz bandwidth on BCB stations. And, you can
always narrow it, as desired, by using the DSP filter.

73 Craig AC0DS

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N5GE

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

Hello John,

I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't notice the
difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one with
the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two.

I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working serious DX
CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that.

That's my opinion. I could be wrong.

73,

Tom Childers
Radio Amateur N5GE
Licensed since 1976
QCWA Life Member 35102
ARRL Life Member
Retired Professional
C# Software developer
http://www.n5ge.net

On Wed, 5 Jan 2011 01:11:44 -0800 (PST), VK7JB <[hidden email]> wrote:

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE

David Cutter

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

John says he is a casual operator, ie not really interested in contests. I
suggest any additional filters (apart from the General Coverage BPF ) are
probably unnecessary for his style of operating. As I understand it, the
filters are not there to determine the operating receive bandwidth, but are
to protect the A/D from overload. This overload is unlikely in his
operating environment, ie not contending with super - heavy QRM unless he
has a very close neighbour who persistently creates that sort of signal.
The K3 has a superb adjustable DSP filter that goes all the way down to 50Hz
with little or no ringing plus the new APF for very small signal
enhancement. Save the money and spend it on something else like the
auto-atu which is superb.

My 2d - keep the change

David
G3UNA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Amateur Radio Operator N5GE" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?

>
> Hello John,
>
> I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't
> notice the
> difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one
> with
> the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two.
>
> I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working
> serious DX
> CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that.
>
> That's my opinion. I could be wrong.
>
> 73,
>
> Tom Childers
> Radio Amateur N5GE
> Licensed since 1976
> QCWA Life Member 35102
> ARRL Life Member
> Retired Professional
> C# Software developer
> http://www.n5ge.net
>
> On Wed, 5 Jan 2011 01:11:44 -0800 (PST), VK7JB <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>>
>>Hello group,
>>
>>My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular
>>kit.
>>I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.
>>
>>My situation: I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW. I rarely
>>need
>>to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests. I built
>>a
>>K2/100 which I love. I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and
>>the KAT3.
>>
>>My question: Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra
>>investment
>>in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7
>>filter swap option?
>>
>>About filters: which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
>>operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
>>proficient in CW.
>>
>>Thanks in advance for any advice. I have had a look through the archives:
>>there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.
>>
>>John
>>VK7JB
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

David Gilbert

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by N5GE

I'm curious ... has anyone measured the actual difference in frequency
stability with and without the KTCX03? I'm under the impression that
the stock frequency stability is pretty solid. And aside from critical
VHF/UHF work, is there any place that difference makes a ... well, uhh
... difference?

73,
Dave AB7E

On 1/5/2011 11:08 AM, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE wrote:

> Hello John,
>
> I would get the KTCX03-1 option instead of the 2.8 filter. You won't notice the
> difference between the filters. I have two K3's one with the 2.7 and one with
> the 2.8 and there is no real difference between the two.
>
> I would get the 500hz CW filter for starters. When you start working serious DX
> CW you can get one of the narrower filters for that.
>
> That's my opinion. I could be wrong.
>
> 73,
>
> Tom Childers
> Radio Amateur N5GE

VK7JB

Re: K3: advice about options to buy?

In reply to this post by VK7JB

A short post to thank everyone for all the great help with thinking through my K3 options. I received a lot of very clear advice, both on and off the reflector, and I feel much better placed now to make a decision. Thank you, everyone, for your interest and for generously sharing your knowledge. I look forward to a having K3 contact with some of you - perhaps very soon. 73, John VK7JB

VK7JB

Re: K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt from you all...

In reply to this post by VK7JB

Hello All,

A couple of people have asked me to post a summary to share what I learnt from my question about options for a new K3. I received 25 replies, many were off-list emails, offering well considered ideas and advice. I was surprised at how generously people offered their time and their thoughts on this question, often sharing considerable detail about their own experience of loading their K3.

People tailored their responses to my situation - I'm a casual operator of CW/SSB/data modes, working in a location where I rarely, if ever, have to contend with crowded bands and heavy QRM.

So bearing that in mind, here's what I learned:

# Unanimously, folks suggested I NOT bother with the high stability reference oscillator.

#The auto ATU option was thought a good investment - for various reasons.

# There was strong support for the Digital Voice Recorder option and for putting in the KXV3A option during the initial build, to avoid significant dis-assembly of the K3 when/if I want to add on the P3 panadapter in the future. Several folks mentioned how useful they'd found their DVR, especially as a "voice saver" calling CQ.

# About filters options:
There was a concensus of opinion that the 2.8 8 pole / 2.7 5 pole swap wouldn't be of benefit in my situation and that I should just go with the 2.7 / 5 pole stock filter. Several people suggested I should invest in the 6khz filter to allow AM TX and broadcast band RX and ESSB. A couple of people volunteered they had installed the 15khz FM filter, but rarely used it and thought I could do without that option. Many people commented on the effectiveness of the DSP filtering in the K3 and suggested that for the casual CW I do, that would be enough. Several others suggested I go with a 400 or 500hz filter, but that I could wait and add them later if I found I needed them. I got the feeling that the narrower 2.1/1.8 khz filters for SSB weren't seen to be a big priority in my situation: only a couple of folks mentioned them in passing and only one K3 owner said he found them very useful for everyday SSB.

All this seemed like very sensible advice to me.

So what am I going to do?

Well, I've decided to NOT take the TCXO high stability ref oscillator. I WILL install the DVR and General coverage BPF options.

I've decided NOT to put in the KXV3A until I'm ready to get the panadapter. I don't mind dismantling the K3 when that day arrives and I'd like to invest that money in other features initially. Having the KXV3A in the K3 from the beginning won't give me any more immediate enjoyment of the K3, nor any extra bits to play with, so I've decided it will wait.

As for the filters:

I've decided that I probably WILL do the 2.8 for 2.7 swap and install 8 pole filters from the beginning. One K3 owner pointed out that if I do that, I won't have to swap out, or worry about matching, the 5 pole filters in the future if/when I come to install the subreceiver. That seemed sensible to me, so I'll put in the 8 pole Inrad filters from the beginning and be done with it. The only additional filter I'll order initially is the 6khz, 8 pole, to allow better SW broadcast reception and to allow me to experiement with wider-bandwidth SSB Tx. I'll see, over time, whether or not I need a 400hz filter for CW.

So that's it. Thanks again everyone. I just have to sell a rig here to generate some extra funds, then I'll plant my paw on the "Add to Cart" button and the deal will be done.

73,

John
VK7JB

Nr4c

Re: K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt from you all...

I think you have made wise choices.

I purchased my K3 one bit at a time, starting with the K3/10. It was
a lot of fun opening the boxes each wek for the next couple of months
and installing the latest purchase. And, this is the real beauty of
the K3 design. You can add any feature you want at a later time.

This is the beggining of a great adventure.

...bc nr4c

Quoting VK7JB <[hidden email]>:

>
> Hello All,
>
> A couple of people have asked me to post a summary to share what I learnt
> from my question about options for a new K3. I received 25 replies, many
> were off-list emails, offering well considered ideas and advice. I was
> surprised at how generously people offered their time and their thoughts on
> this question, often sharing considerable detail about their own experience
> of loading their K3.
>
> People tailored their responses to my situation - I'm a casual operator of
> CW/SSB/data modes, working in a location where I rarely, if ever, have to
> contend with crowded bands and heavy QRM.
>
> So bearing that in mind, here's what I learned:
>
> # Unanimously, folks suggested I NOT bother with the high stability
> reference oscillator.
>
> #The auto ATU option was thought a good investment - for various reasons.
>
> # There was strong support for the Digital Voice Recorder option and for
> putting in the KXV3A option during the initial build, to avoid significant
> dis-assembly of the K3 when/if I want to add on the P3 panadapter in the
> future. Several folks mentioned how useful they'd found their DVR,
> especially as a "voice saver" calling CQ.
>
> # About filters options:
> There was a concensus of opinion that the 2.8 8 pole / 2.7 5 pole swap
> wouldn't be of benefit in my situation and that I should just go with the
> 2.7 / 5 pole stock filter. Several people suggested I should invest in the
> 6khz filter to allow AM TX and broadcast band RX and ESSB. A couple of
> people volunteered they had installed the 15khz FM filter, but rarely used
> it and thought I could do without that option. Many people commented on the
> effectiveness of the DSP filtering in the K3 and suggested that for the
> casual CW I do, that would be enough. Several others suggested I go with a
> 400 or 500hz filter, but that I could wait and add them later if I found I
> needed them. I got the feeling that the narrower 2.1/1.8 khz filters for
> SSB weren't seen to be a big priority in my situation: only a couple of
> folks mentioned them in passing and only one K3 owner said he found them
> very useful for everyday SSB.
>
> All this seemed like very sensible advice to me.
>
> So what am I going to do?
>
> Well, I've decided to NOT take the TCXO high stability ref oscillator. I
> WILL install the DVR and General coverage BPF options.
>
> I've decided NOT to put in the KXV3A until I'm ready to get the panadapter.
> I don't mind dismantling the K3 when that day arrives and I'd like to invest
> that money in other features initially. Having the KXV3A in the K3 from the
> beginning won't give me any more immediate enjoyment of the K3, nor any
> extra bits to play with, so I've decided it will wait.
>
> As for the filters:
>
> I've decided that I probably WILL do the 2.8 for 2.7 swap and install 8 pole
> filters from the beginning. One K3 owner pointed out that if I do that, I
> won't have to swap out, or worry about matching, the 5 pole filters in the
> future if/when I come to install the subreceiver. That seemed sensible to
> me, so I'll put in the 8 pole Inrad filters from the beginning and be done
> with it. The only additional filter I'll order initially is the 6khz, 8
> pole, to allow better SW broadcast reception and to allow me to experiement
> with wider-bandwidth SSB Tx. I'll see, over time, whether or not I need a
> 400hz filter for CW.
>
> So that's it. Thanks again everyone. I just have to sell a rig here to
> generate some extra funds, then I'll plant my paw on the "Add to Cart"
> button and the deal will be done.
>
> 73,
>
> John
> VK7JB
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5899075.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA

Re: K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt fromyou all...

In reply to this post by VK7JB

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

Chuck Shefflette

Re: K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt from you all...

In reply to this post by VK7JB

John,

It sounds like you've made some very good choices. I have 2 K3s sitting on my desk. One has the high-stability oscillator, one doesn't. I don't see any noticeable difference in stability or frequency accuracy between them. As for filters, one has a 2.7 KHz and the other a 2.8 KHz. Once again, I don't really see any difference but with your idea of potentially adding the second receiver, then the 8-Pole filters make good sense. I would strongly urge you to go ahead with the KXV3A, it isn't just for the P3. You need this if you want to use the external 6M preamp or a transverter, it gives you an IF output, adds a dedicated receive antenna input which can be useful at times, and gives you the possibility to have a low-level RF output that isn't band limited so you can use the K3 as an HF signal generator. Just a thought, no matter what you'll love your new toy!

73 and hope to catch you on the air,
Chuck - AA3CS

On 07 Jan 2011, at 07:50, VK7JB wrote:

>
> Hello All,
>
> A couple of people have asked me to post a summary to share what I learnt
> from my question about options for a new K3. I received 25 replies, many
> were off-list emails, offering well considered ideas and advice. I was
> surprised at how generously people offered their time and their thoughts on
> this question, often sharing considerable detail about their own experience
> of loading their K3.
>
> People tailored their responses to my situation - I'm a casual operator of
> CW/SSB/data modes, working in a location where I rarely, if ever, have to
> contend with crowded bands and heavy QRM.
>
> So bearing that in mind, here's what I learned:
>
> # Unanimously, folks suggested I NOT bother with the high stability
> reference oscillator.
>
> #The auto ATU option was thought a good investment - for various reasons.
>
> # There was strong support for the Digital Voice Recorder option and for
> putting in the KXV3A option during the initial build, to avoid significant
> dis-assembly of the K3 when/if I want to add on the P3 panadapter in the
> future. Several folks mentioned how useful they'd found their DVR,
> especially as a "voice saver" calling CQ.
>
> # About filters options:
> There was a concensus of opinion that the 2.8 8 pole / 2.7 5 pole swap
> wouldn't be of benefit in my situation and that I should just go with the
> 2.7 / 5 pole stock filter. Several people suggested I should invest in the
> 6khz filter to allow AM TX and broadcast band RX and ESSB. A couple of
> people volunteered they had installed the 15khz FM filter, but rarely used
> it and thought I could do without that option. Many people commented on the
> effectiveness of the DSP filtering in the K3 and suggested that for the
> casual CW I do, that would be enough. Several others suggested I go with a
> 400 or 500hz filter, but that I could wait and add them later if I found I
> needed them. I got the feeling that the narrower 2.1/1.8 khz filters for
> SSB weren't seen to be a big priority in my situation: only a couple of
> folks mentioned them in passing and only one K3 owner said he found them
> very useful for everyday SSB.
>
> All this seemed like very sensible advice to me.
>
> So what am I going to do?
>
> Well, I've decided to NOT take the TCXO high stability ref oscillator. I
> WILL install the DVR and General coverage BPF options.
>
> I've decided NOT to put in the KXV3A until I'm ready to get the panadapter.
> I don't mind dismantling the K3 when that day arrives and I'd like to invest
> that money in other features initially. Having the KXV3A in the K3 from the
> beginning won't give me any more immediate enjoyment of the K3, nor any
> extra bits to play with, so I've decided it will wait.
>
> As for the filters:
>
> I've decided that I probably WILL do the 2.8 for 2.7 swap and install 8 pole
> filters from the beginning. One K3 owner pointed out that if I do that, I
> won't have to swap out, or worry about matching, the 5 pole filters in the
> future if/when I come to install the subreceiver. That seemed sensible to
> me, so I'll put in the 8 pole Inrad filters from the beginning and be done
> with it. The only additional filter I'll order initially is the 6khz, 8
> pole, to allow better SW broadcast reception and to allow me to experiement
> with wider-bandwidth SSB Tx. I'll see, over time, whether or not I need a
> 400hz filter for CW.
>
> So that's it. Thanks again everyone. I just have to sell a rig here to
> generate some extra funds, then I'll plant my paw on the "Add to Cart"
> button and the deal will be done.
>
> 73,
>
> John
> VK7JB
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-advice-about-options-to-buy-tp5891397p5899075.html
> Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

73 - Chuck, AA3CS

Bill W4ZV

Re: K3: options to buy: a summary of what I learnt from you all...

In reply to this post by VK7JB

VK7JB wrote

# About filters options:
There was a concensus of opinion that the 2.8 8 pole / 2.7 5 pole swap wouldn't be of benefit in my situation and that I should just go with the 2.7 / 5 pole stock filter.

<SNIP>
I've decided that I probably WILL do the 2.8 for 2.7 swap and install 8 pole filters from the beginning. One K3 owner pointed out that if I do that, I won't have to swap out, or worry about matching, the 5 pole filters in the future if/when I come to install the subreceiver. That seemed sensible to me, so I'll put in the 8 pole Inrad filters from the beginning and be done with it.

One comment on this. Matching the 2.7k filters is not critical at all. For example if they vary by 100 Hz total (which is more than I've seen in building 4 units), you can set the offset to half the difference in each (e.g. one is -0.79 and the other is -0.89, so you set -0.84 for both). With an actual 6 dB bandwidth of about 2800 Hz, you will never notice a 50 Hz offset.

2.7<>2.8k swap fee = $121, plus second 2.8k for $131, results in $252 more expensive versus two stock 2.7k filters at no additional charge. However, as they say "It's your money!"

73, Bill