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KX3 Questions

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Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B

KX3 Questions

I guess I am getting ready to put a KX3 order together. Suggestions about roofing filter choices and other configuration suggestions welcome.
I have noticed that there is some information about a 2 m / 4 m transverter. I've trying to figure out what the 4 m band would be. I'm not aware that we have an allocation there (70 something MHz?) The information still seems a bit sketchy about that. Any ideas? Thanks.

73,

Larry Wolfgang, WR1B

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Matt Zilmer-3

Re: KX3 Questions

Hi Larry,

4m is used in many countries outside of the US, but there is no
allocation for Amateur use here [and no real hope of this happening
soon]. I'd suggest you buy the 2m transverter for use in the US.

73,
matt
W6NIA

On Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:07:18 +0000, you wrote:

>I guess I am getting ready to put a KX3 order together. Suggestions about roofing filter choices and other configuration suggestions welcome.
>I have noticed that there is some information about a 2 m / 4 m transverter. I've trying to figure out what the 4 m band would be. I'm not aware that we have an allocation there (70 something MHz?) The information still seems a bit sketchy about that. Any ideas? Thanks.
>
>73,
>
>Larry Wolfgang, WR1B
>
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Matt Zilmer, W6NIA
--
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will
spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln
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David Ahrendts

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B

Larry, I assembled a KX3 and it’s companion KXPA100 amp 3 weeks ago, and it is an outstanding combo. I’m replacing a Kenwood TS-480HX (an outstanding device also) which I ran with an Ameritron ALS-600S 600-watt linear. With some balancing and shielding I will be able to run the KX3 + KXPA100 into the 600 watt linear. So, I have my super compact QRP radio that I can put in my back pack and sit on a lawn chair with a Buddy Pole on top of a mountain, or the high power base station on my desk at home with the mini-beam. Cake and eat it too. The KXP3 pan adapter for the KX3 arrives today — my weekend project.
I’ll suggest the roofing filter especially for CW. Did not get an antenna tuner for either the KX3 or KXPA100, but might reconsider that later, since I have an auto-tuner for the big linear. Had no interest in using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you could probably find a very nice 2M rig.
Assembly suggestion: they provide you with a lot of little teeny tiny screws. Get a cupcake pan or ice cube tray and separate all the parts and label them. Very difficult to tell a 5/32 screw from a 1/4. Tweezers help. And the customer support is extraordinary.

David Ahrendts, KC0XT, Los Angeles

> On Oct 31, 2014, at 8:07 AM, Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I guess I am getting ready to put a KX3 order together. Suggestions about roofing filter choices and other configuration suggestions welcome.
> I have noticed that there is some information about a 2 m / 4 m transverter. I've trying to figure out what the 4 m band would be. I'm not aware that we have an allocation there (70 something MHz?) The information still seems a bit sketchy about that. Any ideas? Thanks.
>
> 73,
>
> Larry Wolfgang, WR1B
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX3 Questions

Added comment on one part of post below...

> Had no interest in using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you could probably find a very nice 2M rig.

I agree with the comment quoted above if the 2M mode is FM and repeater action or whatever only. But, if you are
wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the
small increment of $.

I bought the 2M option primarily for weak signal ops but haven't finished making my 2-meter antenna yet, in fact,
still collecting the materials for its construction (a 7 element Yagi is the plan right now, maybe I will add elements).

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Oct 31, 2014, at 8:51 AM, David Ahrendts <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Larry, I assembled a KX3 and it’s companion KXPA100 amp 3 weeks ago, and it is an outstanding combo. I’m replacing a Kenwood TS-480HX (an outstanding device also) which I ran with an Ameritron ALS-600S 600-watt linear. With some balancing and shielding I will be able to run the KX3 + KXPA100 into the 600 watt linear. So, I have my super compact QRP radio that I can put in my back pack and sit on a lawn chair with a Buddy Pole on top of a mountain, or the high power base station on my desk at home with the mini-beam. Cake and eat it too. The KXP3 pan adapter for the KX3 arrives today — my weekend project.
> I’ll suggest the roofing filter especially for CW. Did not get an antenna tuner for either the KX3 or KXPA100, but might reconsider that later, since I have an auto-tuner for the big linear. Had no interest in using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you could probably find a very nice 2M rig.
> Assembly suggestion: they provide you with a lot of little teeny tiny screws. Get a cupcake pan or ice cube tray and separate all the parts and label them. Very difficult to tell a 5/32 screw from a 1/4. Tweezers help. And the customer support is extraordinary.
>
> David Ahrendts, KC0XT, Los Angeles
>
>> On Oct 31, 2014, at 8:07 AM, Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I guess I am getting ready to put a KX3 order together. Suggestions about roofing filter choices and other configuration suggestions welcome.
>> I have noticed that there is some information about a 2 m / 4 m transverter. I've trying to figure out what the 4 m band would be. I'm not aware that we have an allocation there (70 something MHz?) The information still seems a bit sketchy about that. Any ideas? Thanks.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Larry Wolfgang, WR1B
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
>
>
> David Ahrendts [hidden email]
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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David Orman

Re: KX3 Questions

Responses in-line. I did a direct reply accidentally, I didn't know this
list didn't set a reply-to.

On Fri, Oct 31, 2014 at 11:19 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Added comment on one part of post below...
>
> > Had no interest in using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you
> could probably find a very nice 2M rig.
>
> I agree with the comment quoted above if the 2M mode is FM and repeater
> action or whatever only. But, if you are
> wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a
> very good cost item and worth the
> small increment of $.
>
> I bought the 2M option primarily for weak signal ops but haven't finished
> making my 2-meter antenna yet, in fact,
> still collecting the materials for its construction (a 7 element Yagi is
> the plan right now, maybe I will add elements).
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
>
> > On Oct 31, 2014, at 8:51 AM, David Ahrendts <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >
> > Larry, I assembled a KX3 and it’s companion KXPA100 amp 3 weeks ago, and
> it is an outstanding combo. I’m replacing a Kenwood TS-480HX (an
> outstanding device also) which I ran with an Ameritron ALS-600S 600-watt
> linear. With some balancing and shielding I will be able to run the KX3 +
> KXPA100 into the 600 watt linear. So, I have my super compact QRP radio
> that I can put in my back pack and sit on a lawn chair with a Buddy Pole on
> top of a mountain, or the high power base station on my desk at home with
> the mini-beam. Cake and eat it too. The KXP3 pan adapter for the KX3
> arrives today — my weekend project.
>

I have the same combo, KX3 + KXPA100 for home, and I love it. I also own
the PX3, built the kit about a week ago - well worth the money. I can spot
conversations and jump to them far faster than I'd have every imagined. I
also used the built in signal generator in the PX3 with capacitive coupling
(to lower input power) to a wire on a BNC to binding post connector I have
to tune my filters (pretty sure I touched them when doing some work in my
KX3). Not sure how stable the generator is, but so far, no ill-effects.

> > I’ll suggest the roofing filter especially for CW. Did not get an
> antenna tuner for either the KX3 or KXPA100, but might reconsider that
> later, since I have an auto-tuner for the big linear. Had no interest in
> using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you could probably find a
> very nice 2M rig.
>

I love the ATU in my KX3/KXPA100. If you have relatively short feedlines so
impedance mismatch won't rob you of much power, they make some really easy
homebuilt antennas very usable. I have a EFHW antenna for 10/20/40m I built
that I string up on a 40' Spiderbeam for portable use, and I easy 'get out
there'. I also enjoy the ATU for my home operation, I have a low (5' above
ground and very good at NVIS but not so great for DX) 187' loop around my
backyard fence, soldered to a 450ohm window line I run into a 4:1 balun.
I've yet to encounter a band or frequency I can't get 1.5 SWR or better on,
and I've had MANY conversations all over the US and even into Canada, even
with SSB. It's nowhere near optimal, but it's better to be on the radio
than off it. I can hit most of the US, Canada, Mexico, and such on a
regular basis with 20W on 20m. It's nice not needing an external ATU. If I
had to make long feedline runes, I'd probably build an ATU near the antenna
to minimize losses.

> > Assembly suggestion: they provide you with a lot of little teeny tiny
> screws. Get a cupcake pan or ice cube tray and separate all the parts and
> label them. Very difficult to tell a 5/32 screw from a 1/4. Tweezers help.
> And the customer support is extraordinary.
>

100% agree with this advice. The only difficult part about building
Elecraft kits I have run into is keeping the various screws in order so I
was using the right screw for the right job. The manuals are excellent and
detail what you should use, but having something to split them all up when
you receive them (helps with inventory too!) makes assembly a cakewalk. I
may have spent 30 minutes putting my PX3 together, most of that spent doing
an inventory pre-build, finding my tiny-screwdriver box of phillips head
attachments and clearing an area on the workbench to do so.

Regarding the 2M option, with that option and a small yagi I borrowed from
a friend he uses for satellite operations, I found 2 power line poles that
were generating a lot of noise. You could do the same with a Baofeng, but I
like having a radio that can fill in for a small hand-held if the
need/desire arises. There's one hell of a difference in usability between
my cheap Baofeng and my KX3, and I'm happy to have the functionality
available in a device that makes sense to me/that I know well.

Hope that helps,
David

> >
> > David Ahrendts, KC0XT, Los Angeles
> >
> >> On Oct 31, 2014, at 8:07 AM, Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> I guess I am getting ready to put a KX3 order together. Suggestions
> about roofing filter choices and other configuration suggestions welcome.
> >> I have noticed that there is some information about a 2 m / 4 m
> transverter. I've trying to figure out what the 4 m band would be. I'm not
> aware that we have an allocation there (70 something MHz?) The information
> still seems a bit sketchy about that. Any ideas? Thanks.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Larry Wolfgang, WR1B
> >>
>

> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > David Ahrendts [hidden email]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
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> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

Jim Brown-10

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of $.

Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the
2M transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W
out brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell
it). :)

73, Jim K9YC
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: KX3 Questions

All the TE Systems amps I have that are rated for ten watts input will
develop full, or very close to full rated power output with 3 watts drive.

73, Charlie k3ICH

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 2:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions

> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then
>> the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of
>> $.
>
> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M
> transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out
> brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>
> 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]

Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim -- Definitely agree on the need for an amp with KX3 2-meter. I have posted, more than once, my Elecraft wish list item of a nice 2-meter amp. It just seems like something that would be easy for them to throw together. Otherwise, there are a few 2-meter amps I have been looking at but so far I have not needed one (mostly since my home brew 2-meter yagi is not anywhere near done yet).

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Oct 31, 2014, at 11:06 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of $.
>
> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>
> 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]

Dale Parfitt-3

Re: KX3 Questions

One could always buy a Mitsubishi brick and put it in a case. RF parts or
eBay:
eBay item number:121444258503

$45 for a 30W out module fully assembled. Or $58 for 60W out. 50mW drive.
Add an LPF, bypass switching and you are done.
Normally set up for FM, they can be run linear by adjusting the gate
voltage.
Dale W4OP

----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions

> Jim -- Definitely agree on the need for an amp with KX3 2-meter. I have
> posted, more than once, my Elecraft wish list item of a nice 2-meter amp.
> It just seems like something that would be easy for them to throw
> together. Otherwise, there are a few 2-meter amps I have been looking at
> but so far I have not needed one (mostly since my home brew 2-meter yagi
> is not anywhere near done yet).
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>> On Oct 31, 2014, at 11:06 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then
>>> the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of
>>> $.
>>
>> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M
>> transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out
>> brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>>
>> 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]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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>

James Bennett

Re: KX3 Questions

Another option for a tad more power is to "roll you own". W6PQL had an article in the May 2013 issue of QST for building an 80 watt out all mode 2 meter amp:

http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm

He has a ton of other home brew projects on his web site. I built that amp this past spring and it works great. I made my own cabinet, but bought the board from him. The parts were obtained through various online retailers. It works great - I've used mine, driven by 5 watts from my K3, on CW, SSB, and FM.

Just a thought.....

73, Jim / W6JHB
KX3# 5539, K3# 4359

On Saturday, Nov 1, 2014, at Saturday, 7:49 AM, Dale Parfitt <[hidden email]> wrote:

> One could always buy a Mitsubishi brick and put it in a case. RF parts or eBay:
> eBay item number:121444258503
>
> $45 for a 30W out module fully assembled. Or $58 for 60W out. 50mW drive. Add an LPF, bypass switching and you are done.
> Normally set up for FM, they can be run linear by adjusting the gate voltage.
> Dale W4OP
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Cc: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 9:56 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions
>
>
>> Jim -- Definitely agree on the need for an amp with KX3 2-meter. I have posted, more than once, my Elecraft wish list item of a nice 2-meter amp. It just seems like something that would be easy for them to throw together. Otherwise, there are a few 2-meter amps I have been looking at but so far I have not needed one (mostly since my home brew 2-meter yagi is not anywhere near done yet).
>>
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>
>>> On Oct 31, 2014, at 11:06 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of $.
>>>
>>> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>>>
>>> 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]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

W6PQL

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B

Yes, the 2m module is a nice add-on; here at home, I use mine to drive
transverters for 222, 902, 1296, 2304 and up. On 2m, with just 2w, I'm
able to drive my SSPA to a full KW out (see the Oct 2012 QST article on
the amp, or on the w6PQL web site).

I do notice an instability on 2m, and hope Elecraft will address this
when time permits. You won't notice this on SSB or FM, but in CW the
carrier frequency jumps around a few Hz in a random fashion. You can
also hear this on the KX3 LO signal in another receiver nearby tuned to
the same frequency; it's barely detectable at 6m, and not at all on 10m
and below, but it does make 2m CW sound less than pure.

For me it was a great buy, and a replacement for older and less capable
radios...I especially appreciate the ability to net transverter local
oscillator offsets, and many of the other features.

Jim
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by James Bennett

Nice site, Jim. Thanks for the link. Very nice
instructions on the amp, too.

Phil W7OX

On 11/1/14, 7:58 AM, James Bennett wrote:

> Another option for a tad more power is to "roll you own". W6PQL had an article in the May 2013 issue of QST for building an 80 watt out all mode 2 meter amp:
>
> http://www.w6pql.com/2_meter_80w_all_mode_amplifier.htm
>
> He has a ton of other home brew projects on his web site. I built that amp this past spring and it works great. I made my own cabinet, but bought the board from him. The parts were obtained through various online retailers. It works great - I've used mine, driven by 5 watts from my K3, on CW, SSB, and FM.
>
> Just a thought.....
>
> 73, Jim / W6JHB
> KX3# 5539, K3# 4359
>
> On Saturday, Nov 1, 2014, at Saturday, 7:49 AM, Dale Parfitt <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> One could always buy a Mitsubishi brick and put it in a case. RF parts or eBay:
>> eBay item number:121444258503
>>
>> $45 for a 30W out module fully assembled. Or $58 for 60W out. 50mW drive. Add an LPF, bypass switching and you are done.
>> Normally set up for FM, they can be run linear by adjusting the gate voltage.
>> Dale W4OP
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Hystad" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Cc: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 9:56 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions
>>
>>
>>> Jim -- Definitely agree on the need for an amp with KX3 2-meter. I have posted, more than once, my Elecraft wish list item of a nice 2-meter amp. It just seems like something that would be easy for them to throw together. Otherwise, there are a few 2-meter amps I have been looking at but so far I have not needed one (mostly since my home brew 2-meter yagi is not anywhere near done yet).
>>>
>>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>>>
>>>> On Oct 31, 2014, at 11:06 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>>>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of $.
>>>> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>>>>
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC

Elecraft mailing list

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by David Ahrendts

The 4 meter module is not usable in the USA.. the 2 meter gets you an all-mode 2 meter transverter. That plus an external amp gets you side band on 2 meters, cw and so on if you want more than 2 or 3 watts.

4 meters is in the middle of a VHF TV band here in the states, and the FCC has no plans to allow operations in that span, since there are active TV stations there.

KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them!
From: David Ahrendts <[hidden email]>
To: "Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2014 11:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions

Larry, I assembled a KX3 and it’s companion KXPA100 amp 3 weeks ago, and it is an outstanding combo. I’m replacing a Kenwood TS-480HX (an outstanding device also) which I ran with an Ameritron ALS-600S 600-watt linear. With some balancing and shielding I will be able to run the KX3 + KXPA100 into the 600 watt linear. So, I have my super compact QRP radio that I can put in my back pack and sit on a lawn chair with a Buddy Pole on top of a mountain, or the high power base station on my desk at home with the mini-beam. Cake and eat it too. The KXP3 pan adapter for the KX3 arrives today — my weekend project.
I’ll suggest the roofing filter especially for CW. Did not get an antenna tuner for either the KX3 or KXPA100, but might reconsider that later, since I have an auto-tuner for the big linear. Had no interest in using the KX3 on 2M and actually for the cost, you could probably find a very nice 2M rig.
Assembly suggestion: they provide you with a lot of little teeny tiny screws. Get a cupcake pan or ice cube tray and separate all the parts and label them. Very difficult to tell a 5/32 screw from a 1/4. Tweezers help. And the customer support is extraordinary.

David Ahrendts, KC0XT, Los Angeles

David Ahrendts [hidden email]

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Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B

Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Wolfgang, Larry, WR1B

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions about ordering a KX3. Of course I should have looked at the International frequency allocations before asking about the 4 meter transverter. Duh...

I appreciate all the input. You confirmed most of my thoughts about what to put into the complete KX3 station and what to leave out. As expected, the experts on the list came through big time.

Of course since posting my question I've exchanged a few e-mails with my colleague, W1ZR, and he has me thinking about a more basic K3, and adding some of my wish list add-ons later. There are obvious reasons for both choices, so I am evaluating with option works best for me. Decisions, decisions.

73,

Larry Wolfgang, WR1B

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Re: KX3 Questions

In reply to this post by Charlie T, K3ICH

Still being sold

George, W6GF

Sent from my iPad

> On Nov 1, 2014, at 5:17 AM, Charlie T, K3ICH <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> All the TE Systems amps I have that are rated for ten watts input will develop full, or very close to full rated power output with 3 watts drive.
>
> 73, Charlie k3ICH
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 2:06 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions
>
>
>>> On 10/31/2014 9:19 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>> But, if you are wanting to do weak signal work with CW, SSB, etc. then the 2M option is a very good cost item and worth the small increment of $.
>>
>> Yes, IF you can find a good amp that drives with the 3W or so that the 2M transverter produces. There was an '80s vintage Mirage 2W In, 150W out brick that did that, and I have one (but there's no way I'd sell it). :)
>>
>> 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
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>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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