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KX3 guestion

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Brian McInerney

KX3 guestion

Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.

Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY

Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney

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ke9uw

Re: KX3 guestion

Go here...

ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/

and click on...

ffwnotes.rtf

You can open file that in Microsoft WordPad and read about all the updates.

Chuck, KE9UW
Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224

________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of WN8HGZ [[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 9:47 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 guestion

Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.

Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY

Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney

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Chuck, KE9UW

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Brian,

I cannot give you an official "Elecraft" answer, but I will share my
opinion.
The KX3 hardware is stable - there have been a few (but very few)
changes since the first KX3 shipped (I have the first one off the
production line). Elecraft always offers a path to upgrade the hardware
with mod kits or other methods, so I recommend that you do not delay
buying the KX3 because of possible hardware changes.

The firmware is also stable right now, but do expect improvements to
come along in the future. Updating the firmware is an easy matter with
the KX3 Utility, Just download the new firmware. There is no cost
involved - the firmware upgrades are free.

You can expect to see firmware upgrades for possibly the next few years
as users request special features that are important to them. Elecraft
has been very good about responding positively to that sort of change in
the K3, and I expect nothing less for the KX3 firmware. There are still
changes being made to the K3 as a result of user requests, yet each
release of the firmware is stable. Each release goes through a Field
Test with a small group of users, then it may be released as a beta
version so many more users can run it through their normal operation.
If no major problems are reported, it is then released to production and
available for normal download.

So my bottom line is - do not wait any longer, order now and enjoy the
KX3 - it is a stable platform and have confidence that you can always
keep it up to date if there are future changes.

As a further example, I have K2 SN 00020 that has been fully upgraded,
and with very few minor circuit changes is just as good as a new K2
ordered today. Buy Elecraft with confidence that it will not be
obsolete after you buy it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/17/2012 10:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3 until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>
> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>
>
> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>

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wayne burdick

Re: KX3 guestion

Administrator

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Hi Brian,

The only major firmware feature not yet available is the DVR (digital
voice recorder). I just got that working last night and should have
field-test code early this week. There are numerous outstanding minor
bugs and wish-list items, but this is typical for a product less than
a year out the gate. We'll gradually improve the firmware over time,
at no cost to existing customers.

The hardware is "worked out" :) There are three additional planned
options:

- KXPA100 100-W amp, in prototype phase
- KX3-2M module, in prototype phase
- mobile-mount bracket (on hold while we consider 3rd-party brackets)

When any new option is released, we update firmware as required.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:

> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>
> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>
>
> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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Robert Vargas (KP4Y)

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Hi Wayne,

I understand the KXPA100 is expected to be released during 1Q of 2013. However, what the expected release date for the KX3-2M module? I sold my FT-897D to buy the KX3 and I really miss 2M.

On a side note...just got my KPA500 amp about 1 week ago and I love it!

73,
Robert-KP4Y

Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Hi Brian,
>
>The only major firmware feature not yet available is the DVR (digital
>voice recorder). I just got that working last night and should have
>field-test code early this week. There are numerous outstanding minor
>bugs and wish-list items, but this is typical for a product less than
>a year out the gate. We'll gradually improve the firmware over time,
>at no cost to existing customers.
>
>The hardware is "worked out" :) There are three additional planned
>options:
>
>- KXPA100 100-W amp, in prototype phase
>- KX3-2M module, in prototype phase
>- mobile-mount bracket (on hold while we consider 3rd-party brackets)
>
>When any new option is released, we update firmware as required.
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR
>
>
>On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>
>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>
>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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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Don Butler

KX3 and Begali Adventure

I would be interested in hearing from those who are using the new Begali
Adventure paddle with the KX3. What about the cable that has to run
between the paddle and the key jack? That cable isn't really mentioned
on the Begali website, but it can be clearly seen in the photos, and at
first glance it's a deal breaker for me ... Having to deal with that
cable just doesn't seem to cut it when the KXPD3 works as well as it
does with direct attachment only?

Don, N5LZ

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aandrei

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.

Adi
M0THX

On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:

> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>
> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>
>
> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX3 guestion

How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have
this problem.

phil, K7PEH

On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>
> Adi
> M0THX
>
>
>
> On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>
>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>
>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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af9w

Re: KX3 guestion

Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me. My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can.

73 de AF9W
Bob Stephens

On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have
> this problem.
>
> phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>>
>> Adi
>> M0THX
>>
>>
>>
>> On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>>
>>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>>
>>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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Bob Stephens AF9W

Phil Hystad-3

Re: KX3 guestion

OK, I probably wouldn't notice it then unless I was on 10 meters where it is very quiet usually.

Maybe I will look for it this afternoon -- is it just white noise when you turn the VFO ??

phil

On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:36 AM, Bob Stephens <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me. My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can.
>
> 73 de AF9W
> Bob Stephens
>
>
>
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>
>> How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have
>> this problem.
>>
>> phil, K7PEH
>>
>>
>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>>>
>>> Adi
>>> M0THX
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>>>
>>>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>>>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>>>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>>>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>>>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>>>
>>>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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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>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>

Robert Vargas (KP4Y)

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Wow, I wonder if this only a issue with certain units. I have a KX3 and I love it. Yes, I can hear artifacts and some other weird stuff (has a result of its SDR design) but that has not prevented me from hearing any signal clearly and working lots of DX even with 5 or 10 watts. I'm really glad I got it...the K3 will leave my shack before the KX3 does, if I have to decide.

73,
Robert-KP4Y

Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>
>Adi
>M0THX
>
>
>
>On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>
>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>
>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
>______________________________________________________________
>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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Robert Vargas (KP4Y)

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Brian McInerney

Phil,

Same experience as you on this side.

73,
Robert-KP4Y

Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:

>How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have
>this problem.
>
>phil, K7PEH
>
>
>On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>>
>> Adi
>> M0THX
>>
>>
>>
>> On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>>
>>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>>
>>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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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>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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af9w

Re: KX3 guestion

In reply to this post by Phil Hystad-3

The noise sounds like scratching. As if there was something rubbing on the VFO knob. Put the radio on a dummy load, tune to 10M, make sure menu item VFO NR is off, and then tune the dial with the audio level up. On the couple of bands where I have heard the noise, i.e. 10M, I turned on VFO NR and its not a problem anymore.

Bob AF9W

On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:46 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> OK, I probably wouldn't notice it then unless I was on 10 meters where it is very quiet usually.
>
> Maybe I will look for it this afternoon -- is it just white noise when you turn the VFO ??
>
> phil
>
> On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:36 AM, Bob Stephens <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Probably for the same reason I don't here it. At my location the atmospheric noise exceeds the VFO noise. When I go out to the state park near here then I can hear it a little but with VFO NR on it doesn't bother me. My IC706MkIIG and FT-817 don't have any tuning noise but they can't pull the weak ones out of the noise like the KX3 can.
>>
>> 73 de AF9W
>> Bob Stephens
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 11:31 AM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>>
>>> How come I don't hear this VFO tuning noise on my KX3? As far as I know, I do not have
>>> this problem.
>>>
>>> phil, K7PEH
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 18, 2012, at 10:12 AM, Adi Andrei <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Better hold off until the VFO tunning noise is fixed, or you will be quite surprized and once you hear it you won't be able to ignore it.
>>>>
>>>> Adi
>>>> M0THX
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:47 AM, WN8HGZ wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Wayne and Elecraft team . I have been holding off purchasing kx3
>>>>> until most of the bugs both software and hardware have been worked
>>>>> out. Could some from elecraft give a written summary of what's been
>>>>> fixed and maybe what might be left. There has been so much traffic
>>>>> on this problem and that problem not sure what's fact and fiction.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you Brian Mcinerney WB8IDY
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPad Brian Mc Inerney
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> 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
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>

Bob Stephens AF9W