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K3 - first impressions

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David F. Reed

K3 - first impressions

I received my K3 yesterday, after ordering in late October last year
(waiting primarily to have it shipped with 2nd RX, pre-built). After
having it on the bench for most of the last 24 hours and using it in a
side by side comparison with my IC-7800, I thought I would pass on my
first impressions.

I am both amazed and pleased that Elecraft have continued to pack and
amazing radio into the size and weight of the package.

I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas.
If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands
down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better
about the IC-7800:

1. The spectrum scope and display, with video output.

2. The availability of many features without menus; i.e. lots of
knobs and switches.

3. The built in power supply and 200 watts.

4. Rack mountable (19" rack panel)

All of those seem tied to the battleship construction and hernia
inducing weight of the 7800; of these, the spectrum scope is the most
important to me, so I am looking into the LP-Pan as a possible solution.

I have a lot more learning to do, to be able to use it more effectively
without constantly referring back to the manual, but so far, an amazing
radio.

I am waiting for the MARS mod software to try it out there, and will
start exploring how it does in the sound card digital modes early this week.

Well worth the wait; great job Elecraft!

I have not figured out if it does this, but I think a worthwhile feature
would be to disconnect the antenna automatically on power down (my PW-1
does this) as a small measure of protection.

73 de Dave, W5SV / NNN0SLA
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Greg - AB7R

Re: K3 - first impressions

I really think the K3 is a great rig and THE rig to have.

That said, I would LOVE the k3 radio packaged in a larger enclosure...not quite as large as the 7800 though. With
a built-in display with split screen for main and sub receivers and click tune with a USB mouse. More dedicated
buttons and knobs...though some stuff really needs to stay in a menu. A row of 10 dedicated PF buttons that do not
share double duty with other functions....A built-in SO2R interface with a dedicated connections for another K3 as
the second radio so there only needs to be one connection to a computer. Multiple interface options (ethernet,
USB, and serial). The USB can also carry the audio signals to the computer eliminating more cables....2M
transverter option....and built-in KRC2 type of interface for antenna/filter switching. With what Elecraft has
been able to do with the K3 they should be able to package this with allot of room to spare. I don't think the
radio portion would need to change at all.

-------------------------
73,
Greg - AB7R
Whidbey Island WA
NA-065

On Tue Aug 26 7:46 , "David F. Reed" sent:

>I received my K3 yesterday, after ordering in late October last year
>(waiting primarily to have it shipped with 2nd RX, pre-built). After
>having it on the bench for most of the last 24 hours and using it in a
>side by side comparison with my IC-7800, I thought I would pass on my
>first impressions.
>
>I am both amazed and pleased that Elecraft have continued to pack and
>amazing radio into the size and weight of the package.
>
>I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas.
>If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands
>down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better
>about the IC-7800:
>
> 1. The spectrum scope and display, with video output.
>
> 2. The availability of many features without menus; i.e. lots of
> knobs and switches.
>
> 3. The built in power supply and 200 watts.
>
> 4. Rack mountable (19" rack panel)
>
>All of those seem tied to the battleship construction and hernia
>inducing weight of the 7800; of these, the spectrum scope is the most
>important to me, so I am looking into the LP-Pan as a possible solution.
>
>I have a lot more learning to do, to be able to use it more effectively
>without constantly referring back to the manual, but so far, an amazing
>radio.
>
>I am waiting for the MARS mod software to try it out there, and will
>start exploring how it does in the sound card digital modes early this week.
>
>Well worth the wait; great job Elecraft!
>
>I have not figured out if it does this, but I think a worthwhile feature
>would be to disconnect the antenna automatically on power down (my PW-1
>does this) as a small measure of protection.
>
>73 de Dave, W5SV / NNN0SLA
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
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>
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>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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M0XDF

Re: K3 - first impressions

Kinda like a K3+ :-)
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
--
It came to me that reform should begin at home, and since that day I
have
not had time to remake the world. -Will Durant, historian (1885-1981)

On 26 Aug 2008, at 16:28, Greg - AB7R wrote:
> With what Elecraft has
> been able to do with the K3 they should be able to package this with
> allot of room to spare. I don't think the
> radio portion would need to change at all.

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Joe Malloy

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by David F. Reed

I agree with the OP as far as the K3 goes and have no experience of the
Icom 7800, but I have yet to get a concrete example of the things a
"spectrum scope" can do. Does anyone know what is it about it that you
*can't* do with the K3 as presently outfitted? I know about LP-Pan and
all, so my sincere question is: _why_ is it so important? I throw this
question out to the group!

73,

Joe, W2RBA

> I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas.
> If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands
> down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better
> about the IC-7800:
>
> 1. The spectrum scope and display

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Simon (HB9DRV)

Re: K3 - first impressions

Watching a band such as 6m for Sporadic-E activity.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV
www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "jmalloy" <[hidden email]>

>I agree with the OP as far as the K3 goes and have no experience of the
> Icom 7800, but I have yet to get a concrete example of the things a
> "spectrum scope" can do. Does anyone know what is it about it that you
> *can't* do with the K3 as presently outfitted?
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Joe Malloy

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Joe Malloy

That seems reasonable, Simon, but if you're already *on* 6, can't you
just tell by the sounds? I don't mean to be difficult, I really am curious!

73,

Joe, W2RBA

jmalloy wrote:
> I agree with the OP as far as the K3 goes and have no experience of the
> Icom 7800, but I have yet to get a concrete example of the things a
> "spectrum scope" can do. Does anyone know what is it about it that you
> *can't* do with the K3 as presently outfitted? I know about LP-Pan and
> all, so my sincere question is: _why_ is it so important? I throw this
> question out to the group!

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Simon (HB9DRV)

Re: K3 - first impressions

SSB portion is at least 200 kHz wide - the band is closed - then it's open.
With a bandscope you see the whole band, beacons - everything.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV
www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "jmalloy" <[hidden email]>

> That seems reasonable, Simon, but if you're already *on* 6, can't you just
> tell by the sounds? I don't mean to be difficult, I really am curious!

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Ken Kopp-3

Band 'scope uses

An opening ... on any band ... can be spotted much more
easily. Ditto for a burst of activity resulting from a rare DX
station's appearance on a band. No need to twirl the knob.

One can even watch for "secret" channels on VHF/UHF
FM bands. Once found our county commissioners operating
a"bootleg" network on 2M this way. (;-)

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
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Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Simon (HB9DRV)

On Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:10:11 +0200, Simon (HB9DRV) wrote:

>With a bandscope you see the whole band, beacons - everything.

And birdies from various RFI sources. Even in a fairly quiet QTH,
there are some.

73,

Jim K9YC

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PA5MW

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Simon (HB9DRV)

Simon (HB9DRV) wrote:
> SSB portion is at least 200 kHz wide - the band is closed - then it's
> open. With a bandscope you see the whole band, beacons - everything.
True, the Es openings on 6 come and go very quickly.
But you would need to visually check the bandscope screen every minute
or so.
I used to have a ProII.

Today I use the frequency or memory scanning function of my 6mtr rig.
You can do other things besides sitting on front of your rig, waiting
endlessly .... :)

I like memory scanning the best:
- each 500Hz from 50087 till 50110
- each 2500Hz from 50110 till 50190 (YMMV)
By this method I hardly miss anything; I worked 57 ctys this year only,
using a 5el and 100W. Sometimes only 12W from the K2+XV50.

'73 Mark
http://pa5mw.blogspot.com

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Andy Faber

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Joe Malloy

Joe,
I find the spectrum scope to be very useful in the an SO2R situation. For
example, at home I use a K3 as my normal run radio and a 756 Pro2 as a
second radio. The K3 is a much better run radio mostly because of its much
superior receiver performance. OTOH, the spectrum scope on the Pro2 is very
helpful in trying to find band openings, locating activity on a quiet band,
looking for bare spots on a crowded band, etc. The visual display is a more
efficient way to get this information than by turning the knob and relying
on your ears. I'm looking forward to trying LP-Pan in the future to add
that facility to the K3.
73, andy, ae6y
----- Original Message -----
From: "jmalloy" <[hidden email]>
To: "elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - first impressions

>I agree with the OP as far as the K3 goes and have no experience of the
>Icom 7800, but I have yet to get a concrete example of the things a
>"spectrum scope" can do. Does anyone know what is it about it that you
>*can't* do with the K3 as presently outfitted? I know about LP-Pan and
>all, so my sincere question is: _why_ is it so important? I throw this
>question out to the group!
>
> 73,
>
> Joe, W2RBA
>
>> I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas. If
>> I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands
>> down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better
>> about the IC-7800:
>>
>> 1. The spectrum scope and display
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

David F. Reed

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Joe Malloy

Joe, when working DX that is operating split, it is nice to see the
pattern he is using - is he saying up 30 to 40, but jumst answering
those on 35 up? Is he tuning up, or down? is tail-ending working?

Knowing this is often the difference between adding that new one, and
getting frustrated and missing it. And the scope helps yo spot the
pattern easier than tuning and listening; it might just be that some of
us are more visually oriented than others, but it is a preference I
have, Is it essential? No, but it is a handy useful gadget that I will
gladly pay extra for, just like I did for the second receiver (which is
great for diversity reception on a different antenna - again, it can
make the difference of getting that DX in the log...

73 de Dave, W5SV

jmalloy wrote:

> I agree with the OP as far as the K3 goes and have no experience of
> the Icom 7800, but I have yet to get a concrete example of the things
> a "spectrum scope" can do. Does anyone know what is it about it that
> you *can't* do with the K3 as presently outfitted? I know about
> LP-Pan and all, so my sincere question is: _why_ is it so important?
> I throw this question out to the group!
>
> 73,
>
> Joe, W2RBA

dave.wilburn

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Greg - AB7R

Maybe that is the K4.....

David Wilburn
K4DGW
www.k4dgw.com
www.k4rc.net
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club (K4RC)

My Current LOTW/DXCC/WAS status
www.k4dgw.com/WAS.DXCC.info.html

Greg - AB7R wrote:

> I really think the K3 is a great rig and THE rig to have.
>
> That said, I would LOVE the k3 radio packaged in a larger enclosure...not quite as large as the 7800 though. With
> a built-in display with split screen for main and sub receivers and click tune with a USB mouse. More dedicated
> buttons and knobs...though some stuff really needs to stay in a menu. A row of 10 dedicated PF buttons that do not
> share double duty with other functions....A built-in SO2R interface with a dedicated connections for another K3 as
> the second radio so there only needs to be one connection to a computer. Multiple interface options (ethernet,
> USB, and serial). The USB can also carry the audio signals to the computer eliminating more cables....2M
> transverter option....and built-in KRC2 type of interface for antenna/filter switching. With what Elecraft has
> been able to do with the K3 they should be able to package this with allot of room to spare. I don't think the
> radio portion would need to change at all.
>
> -------------------------
> 73,
> Greg - AB7R
> Whidbey Island WA
> NA-065
>
>
> On Tue Aug 26 7:46 , "David F. Reed" sent:
>
>> I received my K3 yesterday, after ordering in late October last year
>> (waiting primarily to have it shipped with 2nd RX, pre-built). After
>> having it on the bench for most of the last 24 hours and using it in a
>> side by side comparison with my IC-7800, I thought I would pass on my
>> first impressions.
>>
>> I am both amazed and pleased that Elecraft have continued to pack and
>> amazing radio into the size and weight of the package.
>>
>> I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas.
>> If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands
>> down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better
>> about the IC-7800:
>>
>> 1. The spectrum scope and display, with video output.
>>
>> 2. The availability of many features without menus; i.e. lots of
>> knobs and switches.
>>
>> 3. The built in power supply and 200 watts.
>>
>> 4. Rack mountable (19" rack panel)
>>
>> All of those seem tied to the battleship construction and hernia
>> inducing weight of the 7800; of these, the spectrum scope is the most
>> important to me, so I am looking into the LP-Pan as a possible solution.
>>
>> I have a lot more learning to do, to be able to use it more effectively
>> without constantly referring back to the manual, but so far, an amazing
>> radio.
>>
>> I am waiting for the MARS mod software to try it out there, and will
>> start exploring how it does in the sound card digital modes early this week.
>>
>> Well worth the wait; great job Elecraft!
>>
>> I have not figured out if it does this, but I think a worthwhile feature
>> would be to disconnect the antenna automatically on power down (my PW-1
>> does this) as a small measure of protection.
>>
>> 73 de Dave, W5SV / NNN0SLA
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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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>

Iain MacDonnell - N6ML

Re: K3 - first impressions

In reply to this post by Greg - AB7R

So what we need is a K3 "docking station" - when you bring your K3 home
from field day / DXpedidion / whatever, you drop it into the bigger
enclosure, with the fancy display, more knobs and buttons, etc, and
hook up a big interface cable of some sort ... seems like it should be
feasible...

~Iain

Greg - AB7R wrote on 08/26/08 08:28 AM:

Philip Leonard WVØT

Re: K3 - first impressions

Maybe that's what that extra connector on the bottom is for.

Philip

Iain MacDonnell - K6IAM wrote:

>
> So what we need is a K3 "docking station" - when you bring your K3 home
> from field day / DXpedidion / whatever, you drop it into the bigger
> enclosure, with the fancy display, more knobs and buttons, etc, and
> hook up a big interface cable of some sort ... seems like it should be
> feasible...
>
> ~Iain
>
>
>
> Greg - AB7R wrote on 08/26/08 08:28 AM:
>> I really think the K3 is a great rig and THE rig to have.
>>
>> That said, I would LOVE the k3 radio packaged in a larger
>> enclosure...not quite as large as the 7800 though. With a built-in
>> display with split screen for main and sub receivers and click tune
>> with a USB mouse. More dedicated buttons and knobs...though some
>> stuff really needs to stay in a menu. A row of 10 dedicated PF
>> buttons that do not share double duty with other functions....A
>> built-in SO2R interface with a dedicated connections for another K3 as
>> the second radio so there only needs to be one connection to a
>> computer. Multiple interface options (ethernet, USB, and serial).
>> The USB can also carry the audio signals to the computer eliminating
>> more cables....2M transverter option....and built-in KRC2 type of
>> interface for antenna/filter switching. With what Elecraft has been
>> able to do with the K3 they should be able to package this with allot
>> of room to spare. I don't think the radio portion would need to
>> change at all.
>>
>> -------------------------
>> 73,
>> Greg - AB7R
>> Whidbey Island WA
>> NA-065
>>
>>
>> On Tue Aug 26 7:46 , "David F. Reed" sent:
>>
>>> I received my K3 yesterday, after ordering in late October last year
>>> (waiting primarily to have it shipped with 2nd RX, pre-built). After
>>> having it on the bench for most of the last 24 hours and using it in
>>> a side by side comparison with my IC-7800, I thought I would pass on
>>> my first impressions.
>>>
>>> I am both amazed and pleased that Elecraft have continued to pack and
>>> amazing radio into the size and weight of the package.
>>>
>>> I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many
>>> areas. If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a
>>> 7800, hands down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things
>>> I like better about the IC-7800:
>>>
>>> 1. The spectrum scope and display, with video output.
>>>
>>> 2. The availability of many features without menus; i.e. lots of
>>> knobs and switches.
>>>
>>> 3. The built in power supply and 200 watts.
>>>
>>> 4. Rack mountable (19" rack panel)
>>>
>>> All of those seem tied to the battleship construction and hernia
>>> inducing weight of the 7800; of these, the spectrum scope is the most
>>> important to me, so I am looking into the LP-Pan as a possible solution.
>>>
>>> I have a lot more learning to do, to be able to use it more
>>> effectively without constantly referring back to the manual, but so
>>> far, an amazing radio.
>>>
>>> I am waiting for the MARS mod software to try it out there, and will
>>> start exploring how it does in the sound card digital modes early
>>> this week.
>>>
>>> Well worth the wait; great job Elecraft!
>>>
>>> I have not figured out if it does this, but I think a worthwhile
>>> feature would be to disconnect the antenna automatically on power
>>> down (my PW-1 does this) as a small measure of protection.
>>>
>>> 73 de Dave, W5SV / NNN0SLA
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 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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