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Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

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Joel Black-2

Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).

My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any sort.

I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more. My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike trails.

Some of the pros for using the KX3:

compact and portable
operates on internal batteries
very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
any others I haven’t thought of?

Some cons for using the KX3:

No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it has the second receiver
digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have shown me ways to fix this)
limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) - I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
any others I haven’t thought of?

Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> to keep list volume down.

Thanks,
Joel - W4JBB
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Joel Black-2

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

Good grief… I left off that I enjoy my SKCC membership too. So, add CW to the list of modes. Not sure where my mind is / was.

73,
Joel - W4JBB

> On May 13, 2016, at 15:02, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).
>
> My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any sort.
>
> I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more. My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike trails.
>
> Some of the pros for using the KX3:
>
> compact and portable
> operates on internal batteries
> very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
> dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
> any others I haven’t thought of?
>
> Some cons for using the KX3:
>
> No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it has the second receiver
> digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have shown me ways to fix this)
> limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) - I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
> Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
> any others I haven’t thought of?
>
> Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> to keep list volume down.
>
> Thanks,
> Joel - W4JBB

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Bill Fenech

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

i'm interested in this topic as well. can folks cc me as well on replies?

73
Bill, AI6JZ

On Fri, May 13, 2016 at 1:20 PM, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Good grief… I left off that I enjoy my SKCC membership too. So, add CW to
> the list of modes. Not sure where my mind is / was.
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
>
> > On May 13, 2016, at 15:02, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3
> (and purchasing the PX3).
> >
> > My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of
> DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly
> RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any
> sort.
> >
> > I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the
> humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more.
> My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three
> screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio
> hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike
> trails.
> >
> > Some of the pros for using the KX3:
> >
> > compact and portable
> > operates on internal batteries
> > very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
> > dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
> > any others I haven’t thought of?
> >
> > Some cons for using the KX3:
> >
> > No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it
> has the second receiver
> > digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and
> reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have
> shown me ways to fix this)
> > limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) -
> I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
> > Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
> > any others I haven’t thought of?
> >
> > Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to
> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> to keep list volume
> down.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Joel - W4JBB
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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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]
>

Patrick Luke

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

In reply to this post by Joel Black-2

I love my KX3 and literally surrounded with boxes as I build out a pelican
case for it.

There was a fellow who linked his KX3 build out a few days ago who did an
amazing job with his.

portability was one of the key features for me purchasing it as well as I
found a smokin good deal.

You mentioned a method of avoid (re)connecting the cables for digital modes
could you or someone share that again?

73,
Patrick - KM6BHU
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

In reply to this post by Joel Black-2

Joel,

Comments inserted below.

73, Phil W7OX

On 5/13/16 1:02 PM, Joel Black wrote:
> I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).

I'd add the PX3 and hold onto the K3/P3 for a
while, so you can be sure the KX3/PX3 combo suits
you in all respects.

>
> My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any sort.
>
> I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more. My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike trails.
>
> Some of the pros for using the KX3:
>
> compact and portable
> operates on internal batteries
> very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
> dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
> any others I haven’t thought of?
>
> Some cons for using the KX3:
>
> No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it has the second receiver
> digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have shown me ways to fix this)
> limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) - I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
> Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
> any others I haven’t thought of?

The KX3 is not as robust RX-wise as the K3 in a
strong signal environment; may or may not be a
factor for you.

You can run Windows on your OS X machine via
BootCamp. I have an oldish 11" MacBook Air I use
that way in my shack, so I have Win 10 available
for those apps available only in Windows.

>
> Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> to keep list volume down.
>
> Thanks,
> Joel - W4JBB

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M0XDF

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

In reply to this post by Joel Black-2

What is it that wont work for you?

Apart from using bootcamp or Parelles or another VM offering, what is it you wish to run?
73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)

> On 13 May 2016, at 21:02, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me

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Jerry Moore

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

I'd love to buy the P3 if you split them up.

Sent from my iPad

> On May 13, 2016, at 5:51 PM, David Ferrington, M0XDF <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> What is it that wont work for you?
>
> Apart from using bootcamp or Parelles or another VM offering, what is it you wish to run?
> 73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108)
>
>> On 13 May 2016, at 21:02, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Pros / Cons of Selling K3/P3 and Just Using a KX3

In reply to this post by Joel Black-2

My vote is for the KX3.

I have both the K3/P3/SVGA and the KX3/PX3/KXPA100. They are side by side in identical wood cases made to hold either set along with a straight key, dual lever paddle, and single lever paddle, wireless keyboard, and a 40 Ah battery with charger. I operate 99% CW/data and have dabbled with Olivia, Hellschrieber, RTTY, and PSK.

The KX3 receives CW better under high noise (low signal) conditions and the PX3 eliminates that extra screen the P3 needs received data readout.
--
Marc W8SDG

> On May 13, 2016, at 4:20 PM, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Good grief… I left off that I enjoy my SKCC membership too. So, add CW to the list of modes. Not sure where my mind is / was.
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
>
>> On May 13, 2016, at 15:02, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I am seriously thinking of selling my K3/P3 combo and just using my KX3 (and purchasing the PX3).
>>
>> My interests over the years have changed. I am only a casual chaser of DX (I already have my DXCC) and SOTA summits. I enjoy digital modes(mostly RTTY, Olivia, and the JT modes). I only occasionally check into nets of any sort.
>>
>> I no longer want a hobby that keeps me inside. Even though I live in the humid Southeast, I am finding that I enjoy getting outside more and more. My day job has me sitting behind a desk on a computer looking at three screens for eight hours a day. I no longer want that for my amateur radio hobby and I find myself migrating as much as possible to mountain bike trails.
>>
>> Some of the pros for using the KX3:
>>
>> compact and portable
>> operates on internal batteries
>> very robust transceiver with a very good receiver
>> dual-watch mode without the need for a second receiver
>> any others I haven’t thought of?
>>
>> Some cons for using the KX3:
>>
>> No diversity receive - although I don’t use this on my K3 even though it has the second receiver
>> digital modes (other than RTTY and PSK31/63) require you to connect and reconnect the speakers and mic connections (although GM4JJJ and others have shown me ways to fix this)
>> limited number of macros (although the PX3 can add macros to the KX3) - I run OS X so the Windows suite won’t work for me
>> Only 15 W max output (although I much prefer QRP operating)
>> any others I haven’t thought of?
>>
>> Opinions / thoughts are encouraged. Please reply direct to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> to keep list volume down.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Joel - W4JBB
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]