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KX3 for SWLs?

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Chris Chien

KX3 for SWLs?

Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
antenna.
I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
using its own internal telescopic antenna.
However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of both
signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
whip?

73,
AC9FU
Chris
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Fred Smith-2

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

I have both radios that you have and using a "Real Antenna" the KX3 has by
far the better receiver in fact they are not even in the same class. The
whip antennas I have 4 different ones BTW all were a waste of money IMHO and
sit on a shelf unused for some time, just use a wire antenna (even a short
one) and the internal tuner on the KX3 will run circles around the G3 mine
will.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100
P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2
Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G
300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Chris
Chien
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2014 9:47 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 for SWLs?

Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
antenna.
I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
using its own internal telescopic antenna.
However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of both
signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
whip?

73,
AC9FU
Chris
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wayne burdick

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Chris Chien

The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for the band in use.

But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Aug 18, 2014, at 7:46 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
> antenna.
> I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
> performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
> using its own internal telescopic antenna.
> However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of both
> signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
> Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
> whip?
>
> 73,
> AC9FU
> Chris
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Chris Chien

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for
portable SWLs.
In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent shortwave
receiver.

73,
AC9FU

2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:

> The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short
> whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so
> it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for
> the band in use.
>
> But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes,
> you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
>
> On Aug 18, 2014, at 7:46 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
> > antenna.
> > I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
> > performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
> > using its own internal telescopic antenna.
> > However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of
> both
> > signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
> > Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
> > whip?
> >
> > 73,
> > AC9FU
> > Chris
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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]
>
>

Chris, G5VZ

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

The KX3 works superbly well with a voltage probe antenna, such as the
PA0DRT Mini Whip design.

I've used my KX3 with a NASA Marine HF Active Antenna, too.

All small, neat, tidy and high performance for listening. Performance
comparing very well with full-size antennas.

Chris
G5VZ / WG5VZ

On 18/08/14 17:10, Chris Chien wrote:

> I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for
> portable SWLs.
> In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent shortwave
> receiver.
>
> 73,
> AC9FU
>
>
> 2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
>
>> The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short
>> whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so
>> it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for
>> the band in use.
>>
>> But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes,
>> you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Aug 18, 2014, at 7:46 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
>>> antenna.
>>> I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
>>> performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
>>> using its own internal telescopic antenna.
>>> However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of
>> both
>>> signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
>>> Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
>>> whip?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> AC9FU
>>> Chris
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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]
>

wayne burdick

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Chris Chien

You could use an "active antenna" (amplified) with the KX3 -- just don't transmit into it. The Grundig probably has the equivalent of an active antenna amplifier built in.

Wayne

On Aug 18, 2014, at 9:10 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for portable SWLs.
> In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent shortwave receiver.
>
> 73,
> AC9FU
>
>
> 2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
> The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for the band in use.
>
> But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR

Chris Chien

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

Using the PREAMP increases both the signal and noise at the same time.
It works well with a 20dB gain active loop antenna, but it still not
completely blowing the Grundig away. I might want to test it later with a
full size dipole.
Though the little G3 is not at all in the same class as KX3, but it is
still comparable in terms of shortwave listening.

73,
AC9FU
Chris

2014-08-19 0:25 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:

> You could use an "active antenna" (amplified) with the KX3 -- just don't
> transmit into it. The Grundig probably has the equivalent of an active
> antenna amplifier built in.
>
> Wayne
>
>
> On Aug 18, 2014, at 9:10 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for
> portable SWLs.
> > In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent
> shortwave receiver.
> >
> > 73,
> > AC9FU
> >
> >
> > 2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
> > The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short
> whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so
> it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for
> the band in use.
> >
> > But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3
> sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band
> setting).
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
>
>
>
>

wayne burdick

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

Administrator

The Grudig is a fine radio, lacking only the ability to transmit.

Wayne
N6KR

On Aug 18, 2014, at 9:47 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Using the PREAMP increases both the signal and noise at the same time.
> It works well with a 20dB gain active loop antenna, but it still not completely blowing the Grundig away. I might want to test it later with a full size dipole.
> Though the little G3 is not at all in the same class as KX3, but it is still comparable in terms of shortwave listening.
>
> 73,
> AC9FU
> Chris
>
>
> 2014-08-19 0:25 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
> You could use an "active antenna" (amplified) with the KX3 -- just don't transmit into it. The Grundig probably has the equivalent of an active antenna amplifier built in.
>
> Wayne
>
>
> On Aug 18, 2014, at 9:10 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for portable SWLs.
> > In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent shortwave receiver.
> >
> > 73,
> > AC9FU
> >
> >
> > 2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
> > The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for the band in use.
> >
> > But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
>
>
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Wouldn't the fact that the bandwidth is much more narrow in the KX3 than your typical SW RX. So AM is much better SSB probably better (speaker used not mentioned). A lot of SW radios copy FM radio stations, hence better fidelity. The signal strength maybe just apparent because the Signal + Noise is greater

My 2 cents worth, I'd give more but I have spent my money with Elecraft

George, W6GF

Sent from my iPad

> On Aug 18, 2014, at 8:59 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for the band in use.
>
> But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3 sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band setting).
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
>
>> On Aug 18, 2014, at 7:46 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
>> antenna.
>> I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
>> performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
>> using its own internal telescopic antenna.
>> However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of both
>> signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
>> Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a simple
>> whip?
>>
>> 73,
>> AC9FU
>> Chris
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]

Chris Chien

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

Both the bandwidth and speaker have been taken into consideration. With a
short passive whip, the KX3 is far behind the Grundig, because even strong
station is barely heard from KX3.
However, an active antenna makes the KX3 much better, but still not
significantly better than the little Grundig.
In fact, this comparison is not a fair game for both rigs. The Grundig has
a built in amplifier to work with the telescopic antenna, while the KX3 is
not designed for that purpose. A safe conclusion would be that the KX3 is a
little deaf using short whips, and the Grundig is a descent shortwave
receiver too.

73,
AC9FU,
Chris

2014-08-19 0:54 GMT+08:00 George Fritkin <[hidden email]>:

> Wouldn't the fact that the bandwidth is much more narrow in the KX3 than
> your typical SW RX. So AM is much better SSB probably better (speaker used
> not mentioned). A lot of SW radios copy FM radio stations, hence better
> fidelity. The signal strength maybe just apparent because the Signal +
> Noise is greater
>
> My 2 cents worth, I'd give more but I have spent my money with Elecraft
>
> George, W6GF
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Aug 18, 2014, at 8:59 AM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short
> whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so
> it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for
> the band in use.
> >
> > But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3
> sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band
> setting).
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Aug 18, 2014, at 7:46 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Someone said the KX3 makes a descent shortwave receiver using telescopic
> >> antenna.
> >> I connected a whip antenna with loading coil for 20m, and compared the
> >> performance side by side to a Grundig G3 shortwave radio. The latter was
> >> using its own internal telescopic antenna.
> >> However, the G3 radio turned out to be better than the KX3 in terms of
> both
> >> signal strength and clarity on SSB and AM.
> >> Is this normal for KX3? Has anyone ever tried using the KX3 with a
> simple
> >> whip?
> >>
> >> 73,
> >> AC9FU
> >> Chris
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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]
>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: KX3 for SWLs?

In reply to this post by Chris Chien

Hmm ... Above 49 meters an AlexLoop with the KX3
should work very well for SWBC.

Phil W7OX

On 8/18/14, 9:47 AM, Chris Chien wrote:

> Using the PREAMP increases both the signal and noise at the same time.
> It works well with a 20dB gain active loop antenna, but it still not
> completely blowing the Grundig away. I might want to test it later with a
> full size dipole.
> Though the little G3 is not at all in the same class as KX3, but it is
> still comparable in terms of shortwave listening.
>
> 73,
> AC9FU
> Chris
>
>
> 2014-08-19 0:25 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
>
>> You could use an "active antenna" (amplified) with the KX3 -- just don't
>> transmit into it. The Grundig probably has the equivalent of an active
>> antenna amplifier built in.
>>
>> Wayne
>>
>>
>> On Aug 18, 2014, at 9:10 AM, Chris Chien <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> I agree. I used a short whip simply to see if the KX3 is suitable for
>> portable SWLs.
>>> In this case, I would say a short whip doesn't make KX3 a descent
>> shortwave receiver.
>>> 73,
>>> AC9FU
>>>
>>>
>>> 2014-08-18 23:59 GMT+08:00 Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
>>> The Grudig has more gain because it is designed to be used with a short
>> whip. The KX3 is built for high dynamic range with full-size antennas, so
>> it will perform better with a long wire, dipole, vertical, etc., cut for
>> the band in use.
>>> But if you have no choice but to use a short whip with the KX3
>> sometimes, you can increase the PREAMP menu setting to 30 dB (a per-band
>> setting).
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>