To K3 or not to K3?

[Dr. Dave, WS0D]

Hi Folks,

 

New to the list and I've really learned an incredible amount of useful info
from reading previous discussions.  I currently use the KX3 as my qrp rig
(what a blast!)), but am looking to upgrade the shack after 30 years of
old/used equipment (still works, but want to explore some of the more recent
advances in SDR, digital modes, QRO- never had an amp, etc.).  I've
completely read the Elecraft site, heck, they may as well be my screen saver
;-).  I have read most of the pro and con online reviews regarding the K3
and all of the major accessories.  I've read Wayne's/Eric's notes on filter
choices, etc.  I'm looking for any specific suggestions now on how you
would put together a station using the K3 as the major transceiver-
accessories, amp, etc.  For instance, I am looking to include an amp with
the K3, however, there have been some discussions on how the K3 and the
KPA500 may not shake hands as firmly as some would like.  I love the idea of
the remote rig connection, but in discussions, there are other options
(supposedly easier and cheaper) to approach a similar setup.  P3SVGA seems
like a seamless match, but some argue that some of the functionality that
one would want in a bandscope are not built in functions.  So, realizing
this probably is a common/stupid/newbie type question, but also, that this
is the group with the most experience with these radios- any and all
suggestions would be appreciated.  To K3 or not to K3 that is the question,
and if to K3, what to do it with.

 

Thanks much in advance,

 

Dr. Dave, WS0D

Fort Collins, CO

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[RobertG]

Dave...

The K3 is at the top of the lists of world class radios for a reason:
it's a very, very good radio, in any configuration. You won't be
disappointed <when> you buy one. Elsewhere, someone suggested to buy the
basic rig, experiment, and then add those options that you need, want
and/or find interesting. Good advice; you don't spend more by waiting
and adding to the basic radio. This is one of the best characteristics
of Elecraft products. You'll find the service and advice, both here and
out of California, to be superb, incomparable. I have the amp and the
tuner, and in my experience they work together seamlessly. Not to say
that there may be some modes/combinations/antennas/whatnot that test the
combination to and perhaps beyond their limits. That said, in anything
like "common usage" they work together flawlessly, or at least they do
so for me. For space reasons I went with LPan [very satisfied], so can't
comment on the P3/SVGA.

When you buy Elecraft, you're buying more than the equipment, and that
"more" is priceless. Jump in and join the fun.

...robert

On 5/31/2013 20:39, David Getzy wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
>
>
> New to the list and I've really learned an incredible amount of useful info
> from reading previous discussions.  I currently use the KX3 as my qrp rig
> (what a blast!)), but am looking to upgrade the shack after 30 years of
> old/used equipment (still works, but want to explore some of the more recent
> advances in SDR, digital modes, QRO- never had an amp, etc.).  I've
> completely read the Elecraft site, heck, they may as well be my screen saver
> ;-).  I have read most of the pro and con online reviews regarding the K3
> and all of the major accessories.  I've read Wayne's/Eric's notes on filter
> choices, etc.  I'm looking for any specific suggestions now on how you
> would put together a station using the K3 as the major transceiver-
> accessories, amp, etc.  For instance, I am looking to include an amp with
> the K3, however, there have been some discussions on how the K3 and the
> KPA500 may not shake hands as firmly as some would like.  I love the idea of
> the remote rig connection, but in discussions, there are other options
> (supposedly easier and cheaper) to approach a similar setup.  P3SVGA seems
> like a seamless match, but some argue that some of the functionality that
> one would want in a bandscope are not built in functions.  So, realizing
> this probably is a common/stupid/newbie type question, but also, that this
> is the group with the most experience with these radios- any and all
> suggestions would be appreciated.  To K3 or not to K3 that is the question,
> and if to K3, what to do it with.
>
>
>
> Thanks much in advance,
>
>
>
> Dr. Dave, WS0D
>
> Fort Collins, CO
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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[AD6XY]

Bearing in mind the cost of a K3, it might be a good idea to buy a cheap modern second hand Icom / Kenwood / Yaesu first and see how you get on with them. Meanwhile saving up for a K3. Then if the cheap rig does not suit and you decide to get the K3 you will truly appreciate the improvement. Elecraft may have a K4 out by then, or another company may have developed an even better SDR, you never know.

If you want to go direct to the K3 with an amplifier, I would go for the K3 10 and not buy the ATU. Modern PA devices have more than enough gain* to be fully driven by 10W and the ATU needs to be after the linear so the one built into the K3 is redundant. The cost saving is significant. If you later decide you don't want a linear after all, the 100W/ATU upgrade is easy to install later.

*[There are apparently some archaic FCC rules about limiting amplifier gain to 15 dB still in force from the CB craze that fortunately don't apply in my part of the world (Europe) but if it is an issue, it is one that would be very easily solved by an Extra class licensee.]

Mike