Elecraft › [KX3]

Re: [KX3] KX3 Release Options/Accessories Update

Classic

List

Threaded

3 messages Options

Greg - AB7R

Re: [KX3] KX3 Release Options/Accessories Update

Wayne and Eric will have to address this. I can say I am having a blast
testing the KX3. I enjoy cw and digital modes and this little self
contained has shined so far. Still some firmware bugs being addressed but
the rig worked well as soon as I hooked it up.

A couple notes...
1. Excellent audio reports with the optional MH3 hand mic. I wanted to
try my CM500. To do this you have to turn off the mic button control
signals in the menu. One I did this it worked fine. Audio was not as good
as the MH3 so had to dial in some TX EQ.

2. The PTT is in the mic connector so i used an audio Breakout cable from
a 3.5mm stereo to two RCA connectors. This gave me easy access to the mic
input and the PTT IN line. The Accy connection may have an additional PTT
line.

3. Elecraft's PSK-D is working well but you need to keep the power dialed
down to 5W. There are safeguards to throttle down the power if temps get
too high.

4. I did not have time to operate much during the dx contest but I did
manage time for abt 50 QSOs on 5w including a few EU, China, a bunch of JAs
and SA.

5. I have a small pelican case laptop sized and the KX3 is a nice fit with
room for the mic and some accessories.

6. I purposely started to operate the radio without the manual just to get
an expectation of some possible initial support questions. No problem with
basic setup but I did have a couple bonehead moments. There is a 0-9
number pad that are double duty from other controls. Numbers 0-6 were
obvious but I did not notice 7-9. Those are functions of the rotary
knobs. Once u know that it is not a problem.

7. Kx3 has the same 4 per band memories as the K3 making in.band
navigation a snap.

8. Recording messages is similar to the K3 but playback requires two
button presses (msg>#). I asked for a feature to be able to lock the
message buttons so that only one button press would be required. Wayne was
open to the suggestion.

9. CAT commands specific to the KX3 are a super set of the K3 commands.
So I was easily able to connect to any of my logging programs with no
problems. The USB cable for the K3 is great and was recognized by Win 7-64
immediately. The converter parts are built into the small USB shell and
the connector for the KX3 is a 3.5mm plug which are regular RS232 signals.

While the controls are very similar to the K3 first time Elecraft users
will find this a fun and enjoyable rig that is easy to use. But
please...read the manual anyway:-)

73
Greg
AB7R
On Feb 21, 2012 5:42 AM, "bill_w6gq" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> **
>
>
> Any changes or updates on accessories/options that may also be released at
> the same time the KX3 starts shipping? Mobile mount, VHF, 100 watt linear?
>
> __._,_.___
> Reply to sender<[hidden email]?subject=Re%3A%20KX3%20Release%20Options%2FAccessories%20Update>| Reply
> to group<[hidden email]?subject=Re%3A%20KX3%20Release%20Options%2FAccessories%20Update>| Reply
> via web post<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxcnAxMHBpBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARtc2dJZAMzMDEwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTMyOTgzMTc1NA--?act=reply&messageNum=3010>| Start
> a New Topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJmNjgxM3NwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzEzMjk4MzE3NTQ->
> Messages in this topic<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/message/3010;_ylc=X3oDMTM1cnNrb251BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARtc2dJZAMzMDEwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTMyOTgzMTc1NAR0cGNJZAMzMDEw>(
> 1)
> Recent Activity:
>
> - New Members<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/members;_ylc=X3oDMTJnY2F0NGMwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2bWJycwRzdGltZQMxMzI5ODMxNzU0?o=6>
> 28
> - New Photos<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/spnew;_ylc=X3oDMTJnZnBva2pkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2cGhvdARzdGltZQMxMzI5ODMxNzU0>
> 9
>
> Visit Your Group<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3;_ylc=X3oDMTJmYzZ0NGZkBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2Z2hwBHN0aW1lAzEzMjk4MzE3NTQ->
> [image: Yahoo! Groups]<http://groups.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTJlc29xNmYxBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzc0NTIwOTQ3BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2MzEwOARzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTMyOTgzMTc1NA-->
> Switch to: Text-Only<[hidden email]?subject=Change+Delivery+Format:+Traditional>,
> Daily Digest <[hidden email]?subject=Email+Delivery:+Digest>•
> Unsubscribe <[hidden email]?subject=Unsubscribe> • Terms
> of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>
> .
>
> __,_._,___
>

______________________________________________________________
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

Tony Estep

Re: [KX3] KX3 Release Options/Accessories Update

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 1:14 AM, Greg <[hidden email]> wrote:
>...playback requires two button presses (msg>#)....

I hope they change this, for the sake of QRP DXers who are trying to
get their call through a pileup.

> ...CAT commands specific to the KX3 are a super set of the K3 commands.
> So I was easily able to connect...

Excellent! For those of us who have a good computer setup with the K3,
that will make life sweet.

Thanks for posting this info, Greg. I'm trying to be patient....

Tony KT0NY

--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
______________________________________________________________
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

Greg - AB7R

Re: [KX3] KX3 Release Options/Accessories Update

You're welcome :)

On 2/23/2012 6:55 AM, Tony Estep wrote:

> On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 1:14 AM, Greg<[hidden email]> wrote:
>> ...playback requires two button presses (msg>#)....
> I hope they change this, for the sake of QRP DXers who are trying to
> get their call through a pileup.
>
>> ...CAT commands specific to the KX3 are a super set of the K3 commands.
>> So I was easily able to connect...
> Excellent! For those of us who have a good computer setup with the K3,
> that will make life sweet.
>
> Thanks for posting this info, Greg. I'm trying to be patient....
>
>
> Tony KT0NY
>
>
>
>
>