Elecraft

The Final Build and order for K3

Classic

List

Threaded

8 messages Options

NK7Z

The Final Build and order for K3

Hello all,

Many thanks to all that answered my many questions, and gave a new
person a hand in understanding a new rig.

I have decided to order a new rig based on what was said here, about a
30 minute conversations with a fellow named Dave at Elecraft, and that
eham gives it a 4.9 rating, which is hard to get there... I tend to
take eham reviews with a grain of salt, but darned few radios get 4.9
there.

If I missed sending anyone a thank you note, please forgive me, the
number of answers I got was phenomenal, and I think I got everyone, but
is would have been easy to miss someone. So thanks to all for your help
in this. It made spending 5K almost fun... Almost... :)

Here is the final build as I will order it as soon as Dave from Elecraft
returns my MARS modification call. I don't know if he gets commission,
but I want to be sure to order through the fellow that helped me there
at Elecraft.

Final Build:

Radio:
K3/100-F K3 basic radio 100W version
KAT3-F K3 ATU unit
KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for main radio
KRX3-F K3 second rx
KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for sub radio.
I am a MARS member, and want General coverage on both
KDVR3 Voice memory unit

Filters:
KFL3A-400 One for each radio, main and sub
KFL3B-FM FM Filter for main radio
FILTER Stock 2.7 KHz for both radios, main and sub

Misc:
P3-F Panadapter
KXV3A K3 RX Ant, IF Out & Xvertr Interface
KUSB Factory USB cable.

Why two KBPF3's:
Someone had mentioned that I probably did not need the second KBPF3, and
for the most part that person was correct, but for my MARS operations...
I do some very odd splits sometimes, sometimes neither side being in the
ham bands, so the second RX was needed.

Filters:
During these entire process I had to tell myself these are roofing
filters-- remember, these are roofing filters-- these are not bandpass
filters these are not band pass filters... Remember...

Many people pointed that out to me, and for that I am thankful, you all
saved me a few bucks...

I spoke to Dave at Elecraft, and he indicated that adding filters later
should not pose a major issue for me, based on my experience. That
said, I can order filters later, and probably will, as I need them, or
discover I wish I had ordered them to start with. Remember, these are
roofing filters...

I ordered the FM Filter as opposed to the AM filter, because it is a
roofing filter, and several folks suggested it as it lets me do AM and
FM, as opposed to if I ordered just the AM filter. I would then need
the FM filter later, if I did FM. This allows both modes with one
filter.

USB Cable:
I ordered the cable from Elecraft because I trust they have done testing
and clearance of this cable, and that it will work. I am running Linux
as my major OS, and I can not say enough to thank the folks at Elecraft
for including the utility program for Linux users...

Panadapter :
I can't imagine a radio without an Panadapter anymore... The thought is
abhorrent to me.

Again, many thanks to all for your help in this!! I would feel as
confident I ordered correctly if it had not been for this mail list, and
the kind users on it.

--
Support better RFI practices, please sign this petition:
at Whitehouse.gov

http://wh.gov/lpz5Y

______________________________________________________________
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]

NK7Z

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

Rig is ordered!
--
Support better RFI practices, please sign this petition:
at Whitehouse.gov

http://wh.gov/lpz5Y

On Mon, 2014-04-07 at 12:44 -0700, David Cole wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Many thanks to all that answered my many questions, and gave a new
> person a hand in understanding a new rig.
>
> I have decided to order a new rig based on what was said here, about a
> 30 minute conversations with a fellow named Dave at Elecraft, and that
> eham gives it a 4.9 rating, which is hard to get there... I tend to
> take eham reviews with a grain of salt, but darned few radios get 4.9
> there.
>
> If I missed sending anyone a thank you note, please forgive me, the
> number of answers I got was phenomenal, and I think I got everyone, but
> is would have been easy to miss someone. So thanks to all for your help
> in this. It made spending 5K almost fun... Almost... :)
>
> Here is the final build as I will order it as soon as Dave from Elecraft
> returns my MARS modification call. I don't know if he gets commission,
> but I want to be sure to order through the fellow that helped me there
> at Elecraft.
>
> Final Build:
>
> Radio:
> K3/100-F K3 basic radio 100W version
> KAT3-F K3 ATU unit
> KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for main radio
> KRX3-F K3 second rx
> KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for sub radio.
> I am a MARS member, and want General coverage on both
> KDVR3 Voice memory unit
>
> Filters:
> KFL3A-400 One for each radio, main and sub
> KFL3B-FM FM Filter for main radio
> FILTER Stock 2.7 KHz for both radios, main and sub
>
> Misc:
> P3-F Panadapter
> KXV3A K3 RX Ant, IF Out & Xvertr Interface
> KUSB Factory USB cable.
>
> Why two KBPF3's:
> Someone had mentioned that I probably did not need the second KBPF3, and
> for the most part that person was correct, but for my MARS operations...
> I do some very odd splits sometimes, sometimes neither side being in the
> ham bands, so the second RX was needed.
>
> Filters:
> During these entire process I had to tell myself these are roofing
> filters-- remember, these are roofing filters-- these are not bandpass
> filters these are not band pass filters... Remember...
>
> Many people pointed that out to me, and for that I am thankful, you all
> saved me a few bucks...
>
> I spoke to Dave at Elecraft, and he indicated that adding filters later
> should not pose a major issue for me, based on my experience. That
> said, I can order filters later, and probably will, as I need them, or
> discover I wish I had ordered them to start with. Remember, these are
> roofing filters...
>
> I ordered the FM Filter as opposed to the AM filter, because it is a
> roofing filter, and several folks suggested it as it lets me do AM and
> FM, as opposed to if I ordered just the AM filter. I would then need
> the FM filter later, if I did FM. This allows both modes with one
> filter.
>
> USB Cable:
> I ordered the cable from Elecraft because I trust they have done testing
> and clearance of this cable, and that it will work. I am running Linux
> as my major OS, and I can not say enough to thank the folks at Elecraft
> for including the utility program for Linux users...
>
> Panadapter :
> I can't imagine a radio without an Panadapter anymore... The thought is
> abhorrent to me.
>
> Again, many thanks to all for your help in this!! I would feel as
> confident I ordered correctly if it had not been for this mail list, and
> the kind users on it.
>

George Thornton

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

I would have only one word of caution with respect to filters.

Replacing filters with a single receiver unit is fairly easy. However, the process is more tricky when you have a sub receiver involved.

I personally found the sub receiver unit very tricky to install. The clearances are tight and it was very hard for me to see if things were aligned correctly. There are also a lot of tricky cable connections. Although I have built several Elecraft kits I still don't feel comfortable removing or installing the sub receiver unit.

To change any filters you have to pull the sub Rx unit.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Cole
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2014 1:57 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Final Build and order for K3

Rig is ordered!
--
Support better RFI practices, please sign this petition:
at Whitehouse.gov

http://wh.gov/lpz5Y

On Mon, 2014-04-07 at 12:44 -0700, David Cole wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Many thanks to all that answered my many questions, and gave a new
> person a hand in understanding a new rig.
>
> I have decided to order a new rig based on what was said here, about a
> 30 minute conversations with a fellow named Dave at Elecraft, and that
> eham gives it a 4.9 rating, which is hard to get there... I tend to
> take eham reviews with a grain of salt, but darned few radios get 4.9
> there.
>
> If I missed sending anyone a thank you note, please forgive me, the
> number of answers I got was phenomenal, and I think I got everyone,
> but is would have been easy to miss someone. So thanks to all for
> your help in this. It made spending 5K almost fun... Almost... :)
>
> Here is the final build as I will order it as soon as Dave from
> Elecraft returns my MARS modification call. I don't know if he gets
> commission, but I want to be sure to order through the fellow that
> helped me there at Elecraft.
>
> Final Build:
>
> Radio:
> K3/100-F K3 basic radio 100W version
> KAT3-F K3 ATU unit
> KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for main radio
> KRX3-F K3 second rx
> KBPF3 K3 General coverage RX module for sub radio.
> I am a MARS member, and want General coverage on both
> KDVR3 Voice memory unit
>
> Filters:
> KFL3A-400 One for each radio, main and sub
> KFL3B-FM FM Filter for main radio
> FILTER Stock 2.7 KHz for both radios, main and sub
>
> Misc:
> P3-F Panadapter
> KXV3A K3 RX Ant, IF Out & Xvertr Interface
> KUSB Factory USB cable.
>
> Why two KBPF3's:
> Someone had mentioned that I probably did not need the second KBPF3,
> and for the most part that person was correct, but for my MARS operations...
> I do some very odd splits sometimes, sometimes neither side being in
> the ham bands, so the second RX was needed.
>
> Filters:
> During these entire process I had to tell myself these are roofing
> filters-- remember, these are roofing filters-- these are not bandpass
> filters these are not band pass filters... Remember...
>
> Many people pointed that out to me, and for that I am thankful, you
> all saved me a few bucks...
>
> I spoke to Dave at Elecraft, and he indicated that adding filters
> later should not pose a major issue for me, based on my experience.
> That said, I can order filters later, and probably will, as I need
> them, or discover I wish I had ordered them to start with. Remember,
> these are roofing filters...
>
> I ordered the FM Filter as opposed to the AM filter, because it is a
> roofing filter, and several folks suggested it as it lets me do AM and
> FM, as opposed to if I ordered just the AM filter. I would then need
> the FM filter later, if I did FM. This allows both modes with one
> filter.
>
> USB Cable:
> I ordered the cable from Elecraft because I trust they have done
> testing and clearance of this cable, and that it will work. I am
> running Linux as my major OS, and I can not say enough to thank the
> folks at Elecraft for including the utility program for Linux users...
>
> Panadapter :
> I can't imagine a radio without an Panadapter anymore... The thought
> is abhorrent to me.
>
> Again, many thanks to all for your help in this!! I would feel as
> confident I ordered correctly if it had not been for this mail list,
> and the kind users on it.
>

______________________________________________________________
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]

Dr. William J. Schmidt, II

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

So the conclusion is... have a plan: think the usage of the filters
through... install them once and be happy.

Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ / J68HZ/ 8P6HK/ ZF2HZ/ PJ4HZ/ VP5HZ

Owner - Operator
Big Signal Ranch
Staunton, Illinois

email: [hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of George Thornton
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2014 5:45 PM
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The Final Build and order for K3

I would have only one word of caution with respect to filters.

Replacing filters with a single receiver unit is fairly easy. However, the
process is more tricky when you have a sub receiver involved.

I personally found the sub receiver unit very tricky to install. The
clearances are tight and it was very hard for me to see if things were
aligned correctly. There are also a lot of tricky cable connections.
Although I have built several Elecraft kits I still don't feel comfortable
removing or installing the sub receiver unit.

To change any filters you have to pull the sub Rx unit.

______________________________________________________________
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]

Jim Brown-10

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

In reply to this post by NK7Z

On 4/7/2014 1:56 PM, David Cole wrote:
> Rig is ordered!

I see that you are buying factory-built rather than kits. I STRONGLY
recommend buying kits. You save 10-15%, and you see how the radio goes
together. It takes about 8 hours to build a K3/10, a few more hours for
the 100W amp, and a few more for the 2nd RX.

These are screw-together kits, all the boards are pre-tested. Unless you
are too busy, or physically or visually challenged, buying kits is the
way to go.

73, Jim K9YC
.
______________________________________________________________
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]

NK7Z

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

Hi Jim,
I fully understand what you are saying, and agree with you, however my
eyesight is not at all what it used to be, so I elected to have them
built if for me. It feels wrong, and I really did want to build one,
but, the last kit, was such a pain to build compared to how they used to
be, I have all but given up on kits.

I used to build all the time, PC boards, some Heathkits, etc., but my
neck was so stiff after the last build-- from keeping my head tilted up
to see through the bottom lens of my bifocals I can't imagine three days
of that... I feel like I am cheating to not build it, because I want to
see the insides, and get the fun of putting it together, but no more for
me I fear. I may see the Eye Doc and get a set of glasses for kit
building! :) All for close up work.

--
Support better RFI practices, please sign this petition:
at Whitehouse.gov

http://wh.gov/lpz5Y

On Tue, 2014-04-08 at 09:47 -0700, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 4/7/2014 1:56 PM, David Cole wrote:
> > Rig is ordered!
>
> I see that you are buying factory-built rather than kits. I STRONGLY
> recommend buying kits. You save 10-15%, and you see how the radio goes
> together. It takes about 8 hours to build a K3/10, a few more hours for
> the 100W amp, and a few more for the 2nd RX.
>
> These are screw-together kits, all the boards are pre-tested. Unless you
> are too busy, or physically or visually challenged, buying kits is the
> way to go.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> .
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Josh Fiden

Re: The Final Build and order for K3

Me too...

Donegan OptiVISOR:

http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor

Plastic lens version is under $30 available in different magnifications.
These should be standard issue at 45 yrs.

73,
Josh W6XU

On 4/8/2014 10:14 AM, David Cole wrote:
> my eyesight is not at all what it used to be

______________________________________________________________
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]

Larry Gerhardstein

K3: High swr

K3:7360 P3:3112
Ant1 is a 3 el SteppIR
Ant2 is a 347 ft. longwire

Tuning either antenna through the K3 ATU measures 3:1 or higher on the
K3 display. Bypassing the ATU and using an external SWR meter measures
1.3:1 for the SteppIR after tuning the SDA100.

It used to work great 100% of the time. Only thing that has changed in
the K3 is install of the KXV3A as part of the P3 assembly.

What to do? Does the K3 need a factory visit?

73, Larry W7IN

______________________________________________________________
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]