[Elecraft] K3 synchronous AM detection

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Ha, ha!! I can't blame you for not wanting to hear the heterodyne whistles.
In the days when AM blanketed the Ham phone bands, copying a signal often
meant learning to ignore a cacophony of heterodynes! 

However, I can say from personal experience that a K3 in SSB mode sounds as
good on AM as most AM radios, even when listening to music!! Being able to
dial in the frequency to 1 Hz certainly helps, and having it very, very
stable helps more.

I like the 2.8 kHz filter for SW SWLing because it does improve the S/N
ratio. 

Yes, synchronous detection will be a great boon to the K3 but, in the
meantime, the K3 is a seductive SWL and AM Broadcast band "DX-chasing"
machine! 

Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----
Hi Dale,
 
According to the current K3 Owner's Manual errata, AM detection has not yet
been implemented. I'm holding off on placing my order until this is
addressed, as this is one of my primary justifications for upgrading from my
K2. If the synchronous detection is implemented correctly, with selectable
sidebands, the K3 could prove to be a killer shortwave receiver. If Elecraft
were able to sell a Tx-disabled version of the K3, it could open up a
potentially significant additional market for them. Many SWL enthusiasts
would be happy to pay $1400 for a top-of-the line receiver, especially now
that the Drake R8B is no longer being produced.

BTW, I'm sure somebody will jump in and mention that the K3 can receive AM
signals in SSB mode. This is true, but manually tuning across one of the
shortwave bands (I want the "analog" experience) while listening to
heterodynes whistling up and down does not make for a very pleasant
listening experience!  ;-)

73,

Mark  AI4BJ