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New ham and the KX3

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Sean Wall

New ham and the KX3

Hi folks,

I want to thank everyone who offered advice, it's invaluable to a new ham
like myself!

I've settled on the KX3 -- I like the fact that it's versatile enough to be
a decent base station and it can go on the road with me. Plus, it seems
that it has a lot of features that you generally see on more expensive
rigs. The SDR aspect also appeals to me as I'm a nerd and I'd like to
experiment with SDR applications on my laptop. I do software development
with a masters in electrical engineering, so I'm not worried about the KX3
being overly complex. I'll figure it out eventually, I think. :D

The one definite take-away which was clear to me is "it's all about the
antenna". I'm considering other antennas other than the Buddipole now.
The current front runner is the LNR End Fed 10/20/40 wire antenna. I like
it because you tune it for 40 m and 10/20 should fall into place. Also,
you can remove the supplied radiator and attach a new one to tune in other
bands. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than a Buddipole. (Not to
disparage the BP -- I've read a lot of good reviews about it -- but I'd
rather go with something simpler and less expensive right now.) I haven't
looked into the magnetic loop antennas yet, but I'll get to that. One
question though -- the LNR site said no antenna tuner is needed or
recommended, which makes sense in this case. I was still considering
getting the optional antenna tuner for the KX3, but can you disable it in
the settings if you don't want to use it?

I received about equal number of responses on either side of the 10w/100w
fence. Once again, it seemed to boil down to "it won't make a lot of
difference if you don't have a good antenna to start with". I'll stick
with 10w for now, and I can get the 100w amp later.

BTW - I plan on initially using phone as I'm still learning Morse, but I
would like get to get into CW at some point.

Also, I do plan on joining a local ham club. There are several in my area
so that should be no problem. If they're all as friendly and accommodating
as you folks, I should have no problem getting help. :)

Thanks again everyone!

73 - Sean (call sign not in the ULS database yet - should be this week!!)
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Phil Hystad-3

Re: New ham and the KX3

Depending on the money resources you can draw upon, I would suggest
getting the built in tuner option for the KX3. It really frees you up in
mobile and portable situations where you are merely stringing a wire up
into a nearby tree with another wire laying on the ground as counterpoise.

And, CW rocks! Put the time into CW so you can get on the air and start
operating even if you are limping along. Your CW speed will pick up when
you operate -- more so then using some practice method. Always listen
to stations on CW when you are learning even if you can only pick out a
few letters. Definitely listen guys who are faster than you even if you
can't pick out stuff.

CW contests are great in practicing to pick out call signs at higher speeds.

73, phil, k7peh

On Feb 26, 2014, at 6:18 AM, Sean Wall <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I want to thank everyone who offered advice, it's invaluable to a new ham
> like myself!
>
> I've settled on the KX3 -- I like the fact that it's versatile enough to be
> a decent base station and it can go on the road with me. Plus, it seems
> that it has a lot of features that you generally see on more expensive
> rigs. The SDR aspect also appeals to me as I'm a nerd and I'd like to
> experiment with SDR applications on my laptop. I do software development
> with a masters in electrical engineering, so I'm not worried about the KX3
> being overly complex. I'll figure it out eventually, I think. :D
>
>
> The one definite take-away which was clear to me is "it's all about the
> antenna". I'm considering other antennas other than the Buddipole now.
> The current front runner is the LNR End Fed 10/20/40 wire antenna. I like
> it because you tune it for 40 m and 10/20 should fall into place. Also,
> you can remove the supplied radiator and attach a new one to tune in other
> bands. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than a Buddipole. (Not to
> disparage the BP -- I've read a lot of good reviews about it -- but I'd
> rather go with something simpler and less expensive right now.) I haven't
> looked into the magnetic loop antennas yet, but I'll get to that. One
> question though -- the LNR site said no antenna tuner is needed or
> recommended, which makes sense in this case. I was still considering
> getting the optional antenna tuner for the KX3, but can you disable it in
> the settings if you don't want to use it?
>
> I received about equal number of responses on either side of the 10w/100w
> fence. Once again, it seemed to boil down to "it won't make a lot of
> difference if you don't have a good antenna to start with". I'll stick
> with 10w for now, and I can get the 100w amp later.
>
> BTW - I plan on initially using phone as I'm still learning Morse, but I
> would like get to get into CW at some point.
>
> Also, I do plan on joining a local ham club. There are several in my area
> so that should be no problem. If they're all as friendly and accommodating
> as you folks, I should have no problem getting help. :)
>
> Thanks again everyone!
>
> 73 - Sean (call sign not in the ULS database yet - should be this week!!)
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Barry K3NDM

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Sean Wall

Sean,
I see that you plan on starting with phone because you are learning
code. Let me suggest that you add PSK31 to your beginnings. It is a mode
that really works well at low powers and it's really easy to set up. You
will need a way to interface your computer to the radio, but that is
easy. A interface like the SignaLink USB will make it almost mindless;
they have the cable you will need. The whole package is $100. The
software is free. There are other digital modes that you'll be able to
use the interface with, but they aren't as popular. Between PSK31 and
eventually CW, you should be able to pick up a mixed mode DXCC if you
put the time in. Have fun!

73,
Barry
K3NDM

On 2/26/2014 9:18 AM, Sean Wall wrote:

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: New ham and the KX3

The problem with that suggestion is that the Tech licensee can only use
PSK31 on 10 meters. The 80, 40, and 15 meter allocations are for CW only.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/26/2014 11:10 AM, Barry LaZar wrote:

> Sean,
> I see that you plan on starting with phone because you are
> learning code. Let me suggest that you add PSK31 to your beginnings.
> It is a mode that really works well at low powers and it's really easy
> to set up. You will need a way to interface your computer to the
> radio, but that is easy. A interface like the SignaLink USB will make
> it almost mindless; they have the cable you will need. The whole
> package is $100. The software is free. There are other digital modes
> that you'll be able to use the interface with, but they aren't as
> popular. Between PSK31 and eventually CW, you should be able to pick
> up a mixed mode DXCC if you put the time in. Have fun!
>

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Sean Wall

Sean,

As a software guy myself, I understand that you may be leaning toward
buying an antenna instead of building.

I like the idea of the LNR because it leaves more money in your pocket
to experiment with other antennas.

Get a good antenna book. Read all the chapters on wire antennas. Wire
antennas are cheap cheap cheap.

Magnetic loop antennas aren't that hard to build. You need a good
high-voltage variable capacitor, and you can buy vacuum variable
capacitors on eBay. Nearly everything else comes from your local
big-box home improvement store (Orange or Blue, your choice).

73 -- Lynn

On 2/26/2014 6:18 AM, Sean Wall wrote:

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

Definitely. I'm not even sure why I bought a microphone for my KX3.

I've got a Brown Brothers straight key and a set of paddles, and I'm
seriously thinking of selling them.

Digital modes are the way to go (then again, I ran RTTY more than 30
years ago -- 28KSR on autostart -- so I'm biased).

I've been slowly working my way back into the hobby, and I plan 100%
portable operation with a laptop, KX3, and more-or-less random bits of wire.

73 -- Lynn

On 2/26/2014 8:10 AM, Barry LaZar wrote:
> Let me suggest that you add PSK31 to your beginnings. It is a mode
> that really works well at low powers and it's really easy to set up.

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Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

With the current testing structure (for better or worse) he can make
Extra in less than a year.

Biggest problem I had with the Extra test was giving the "test" answers
and not the correct answers based on years of operating specialized modes.

73 -- Lynn

On 2/26/2014 8:15 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> The problem with that suggestion is that the Tech licensee can only
> use PSK31 on 10 meters.

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ny4g

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

I was really surprised at how well the KX3 did in the last RTTY contest at 5 watts. The KX3 was making contacts left and right barefoot and without a computer running AFSK-D. What a rig. !! I was on a Hexbeam which probably made more competitive. This underscores the need for efficient antennas. The clean signal coming from the rig likely helped as well. The KX3 also does well without a computer on PSK. The KX3 utility when used with a netbook makes running PSK without a Signalink a breeze. I have also been running JT65 barefoot at 3 watts and gotten as far as South Africa on a wire.

Ariel NY4G

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 26, 2014, at 2:17 PM, "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Definitely. I'm not even sure why I bought a microphone for my KX3.
>
> I've got a Brown Brothers straight key and a set of paddles, and I'm seriously thinking of selling them.
>
> Digital modes are the way to go (then again, I ran RTTY more than 30 years ago -- 28KSR on autostart -- so I'm biased).
>
> I've been slowly working my way back into the hobby, and I plan 100% portable operation with a laptop, KX3, and more-or-less random bits of wire.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
>
> On 2/26/2014 8:10 AM, Barry LaZar wrote:
>> Let me suggest that you add PSK31 to your beginnings. It is a mode that really works well at low powers and it's really easy to set up.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Rick WA6NHC

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Heh, using myself as an example: I took the 13 WPM code test at the FCC
in SF to gain the General (an imposing building, 555 Battery Street is
forever imbedded in memory). I held an Advanced for years but know I'll
never make 20 WPM code, it simply isn't one of my talents. Once that
requirement was dropped, it was the math that trips me up. I don't
know, nor do I care what the formulas are BUT I know where to find them
when I need them.

I learn more by doing than reading. The better teachers know there are
three ways to learn, seeing, hearing, doing; then teach ALL methods at
the same time.

At one point, I got bored, so I took the tests online until I was
consistently above 85% then took the actual exam making only guesses at
the math. Some were correct, based on frequent exposure to the tests.
If I did well everywhere else, it would be enough to pass, regardless of
the math. I blew through the rest of the test, which carried me to an
Extra. So if I can do it, pretty much anyone else should make it.

One exception is my older son (both area licensed). He has a degree in
math and a CSEE, is highly trained and working in digital magic for a
military contractor but can't help over-thinking the test (an engineer
fault, besides, it's mostly analog). The test is grossly outdated and
the generic answers are too dumbed down to the point of being inaccurate
(to folks like him).

Now where did I put those math books? :o) Oh yah, next to the CW
practice machine... hmmm, dusty again.

73,
Rick wa6nhc

On 2/26/2014 11:19 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
> With the current testing structure (for better or worse) he can make
> Extra in less than a year.
>
> Biggest problem I had with the Extra test was giving the "test"
> answers and not the correct answers based on years of operating
> specialized modes.
>
> 73 -- Lynn

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AF5BV

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Sean Wall

The Par end fed is a good antenna choice and will enable operation on 10/20/40 without a tuner. You may also consider a push-up fiberglass pole - 30 footer runs around $100 and works great with a couple of bungee cords and some electrical tape. I usually tape the end fed match box a couple of sections down and run the antenna as a sloper. You also need about 50ft coax feeder of course.

Paul
AD5BV

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 26, 2014, at 8:18, Sean Wall <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I want to thank everyone who offered advice, it's invaluable to a new ham
> like myself!
>
> I've settled on the KX3 -- I like the fact that it's versatile enough to be
> a decent base station and it can go on the road with me. Plus, it seems
> that it has a lot of features that you generally see on more expensive
> rigs. The SDR aspect also appeals to me as I'm a nerd and I'd like to
> experiment with SDR applications on my laptop. I do software development
> with a masters in electrical engineering, so I'm not worried about the KX3
> being overly complex. I'll figure it out eventually, I think. :D
>
>
> The one definite take-away which was clear to me is "it's all about the
> antenna". I'm considering other antennas other than the Buddipole now.
> The current front runner is the LNR End Fed 10/20/40 wire antenna. I like
> it because you tune it for 40 m and 10/20 should fall into place. Also,
> you can remove the supplied radiator and attach a new one to tune in other
> bands. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than a Buddipole. (Not to
> disparage the BP -- I've read a lot of good reviews about it -- but I'd
> rather go with something simpler and less expensive right now.) I haven't
> looked into the magnetic loop antennas yet, but I'll get to that. One
> question though -- the LNR site said no antenna tuner is needed or
> recommended, which makes sense in this case. I was still considering
> getting the optional antenna tuner for the KX3, but can you disable it in
> the settings if you don't want to use it?
>
> I received about equal number of responses on either side of the 10w/100w
> fence. Once again, it seemed to boil down to "it won't make a lot of
> difference if you don't have a good antenna to start with". I'll stick
> with 10w for now, and I can get the 100w amp later.
>
> BTW - I plan on initially using phone as I'm still learning Morse, but I
> would like get to get into CW at some point.
>
> Also, I do plan on joining a local ham club. There are several in my area
> so that should be no problem. If they're all as friendly and accommodating
> as you folks, I should have no problem getting help. :)
>
> Thanks again everyone!
>
> 73 - Sean (call sign not in the ULS database yet - should be this week!!)
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Jim Low man

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Sean Wall

Sean, I stopped by the PAR Electronics booth at Dayton last year.
There was a lot of interest in a new "trail-friendly" antenna for 10/20/40m.

I asked one of the guys at the booth what was "trail-friendly" about it?
At which time he put one in the palm of my hand.
It winds up on a spool, and can easily be carried in a pocket.
This would be nice to take to the field, or even use around your home.

BTW, congratulations on joining our world-wide fraternity!

72/73 de Jim - AD6CW
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Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Rick WA6NHC

You can miss 13 questions on the Extra test, of which maybe 4 or 5 are
complex math.

When I took my Extra, there were 4, and I missed 7 questions.

You can safely blow off the math as long as you do well on the other
subsections.

-- Lynn

On 2/26/2014 12:02 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
> At one point, I got bored, so I took the tests online until I was
> consistently above 85% then took the actual exam making only guesses
> at the math. Some were correct, based on frequent exposure to the
> tests. If I did well everywhere else, it would be enough to pass,
> regardless of the math. I blew through the rest of the test, which
> carried me to an Extra. So if I can do it, pretty much anyone else
> should make it.

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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AD0ES

Re: New ham and the KX3

In reply to this post by Sean Wall

Sean,

You don't even need a computer interface with the kx3. Buy the $19 cable set elecraft sells
for this purpose and your ready to rock. I am using my new kx3 with nothing more than audio in/out
to my laptop and the included USB cable for control via HRD. Works great. I managed a 5 watt FeldHELL
contact from CO to IL on 20m with a simple dipole tossed out my office second story window.

Steve AD0ES

On Feb 26, 2014, at 10:00 AM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Re: [Elecraft] New ham and the KX3
I see that you plan on starting with phone because you are learning
code. Let me suggest that you add PSK31 to your beginnings. It is a mode
that really works well at low powers and it's really easy to set up. You
will need a way to interface your computer to the radio, but that is
easy. A interface like the SignaLink USB will make it almost mindless;
they have the cable you will need. The whole package is $100. The
______________________________________________________________
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k6dgw

Re: New ham and the KX3

Yep. I operate RTTY/PSK/JT65 in DATA A/AFSK mode with my K3 using 2 $5
stereo cables from Radio Shack, and N1MM, MixW, or WSJT. I did it for
quite awhile with my K2 -- headphone jack to soundcard LINE IN and
soundcard LINE OUT to the mic connector through a little T-pad I built
into the cable with 3 resistors and some shrink wrap.

Sometime back, there was an increase in the number of posts to this list
with digital problems and issues. I started counting [sorry, math major
here :-)] and over 90% involved problems with some an external interface
box, creation of virtual serial ports and sometimes a combination of
external devices and software.

Since the K3/KX3 generates the ultimate FSK in computer code in the DSP,
there is exactly zero difference between AFSK and direct FSK in the RF
output. AFSK is quite a bit simpler to connect up however. PTT issues
also come up fairly frequently ... DATA A/AFSK [in the K3] allows you to
just use VOX -- totally painless.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 2/27/2014 6:50 AM, AD0ES wrote:

> Sean,
>
> You don't even need a computer interface with the kx3. Buy the $19
> cable set elecraft sells for this purpose and your ready to rock. I
> am using my new kx3 with nothing more than audio in/out to my laptop
> and the included USB cable for control via HRD. Works great. I
> managed a 5 watt FeldHELL contact from CO to IL on 20m with a simple
> dipole tossed out my office second story window.
>
> Steve AD0ES