[Elecraft] K3 Operation

[Ed Muns]

> Any of the guys that have used the K3 exclusively for a 
> period of weeks or months and then gone back for a quick look 
> at the "old" radio ie 756p, 1000mp, etc.
> Wonder what that feels like. 

I swapped the K3 in for one of the two ProIIIs I've been using lately.  All
my operating since I've had the K3 in early July has been with both radios,
one in each ear, transmissions interlocked.

1.  As reported earlier by myself and others, the "sound" is strikingly
different.  We all think the K3 "sound" is far superior to any modern radio
since the good ole tube-based Collins and Drake rigs.

2.  The UI is completely different between the two and one reason why I much
prefer two-radio operation with identical radios.  Just this morning I was
calling the 3B7 on 30 while listening for (note "for", not "to") the 3B7 on
160.  I QLF'd the switching and dropped my call sign on top of the 3B7's
supposed transmit frequency and a local politely let me know.  The
preventative thing to do would have been to make sure the 160 rig was in
SPLIT mode so that couldn't happen.  But, the point of all this is that
different UI's increase the risk of something like this happening.

3.  What I like about the ProIII is:
	a.  The direct access to band-modes.  I have the three band memories
set up for CW, SSB and RTTY so it is quick to get to the band-mode I want.
Almost all my operating is contesting, so this really doesn't matter except
when I'm chasing a DXpedition like the 3B7 which is on multiple band-modes
simultaneously.
	b.  The monitor scope for a quick overview of band conditions and
activity.  More than anything, I've simply gotten used to having it and so
it is noticeably absent in the K3.
	c.  The button and knob feel, but frankly this is due to what I'm
accustomed to.  After using the K3 for almost three months now, it is nearly
as comfortable as the ProIII or other radios I use.  I hardly ever have the
button-push problem of moving the lightweight K3 around the operating table
like I had in the beginning.
	
4.  What I like about the K3 is:
	a.  Superior RX ... narrow roofing filters, exceptional dynamic
range specs, incomparable DSP features and superlative "analog" sound.
	b.  Superior TX ... smooth QSK, minimal phase noise and spurs to
bother line-of-sight locals, Hi-Fi SSB audio and best VOX I've ever used.
	c.  Digital mode capability ... comprehensive, innovative (e.g.,
CW-data encoding/decoding, PSK, etc.), soundcard interface, DTF (Dual-Tone
Filter, which is superior to the Icom Twin Peak Filter)
	d.  Many, many innovative UI features.  We field testers are
pleasantly surprised every day as we discover features and/or Wayne/Lyle
release new firmware.

5.  As far as which rig I prefer overall, it would be the K3 and this will
become more so with time as the KRX3 and other options ship and a panadapter
is created in the future.

> Anyone used their K3 on AM yet, or have an AM recording? I 
> think they are still doing some of that on 20m sometimes.

Huh?  (Actually, the AM firmware isn't complete and we've got plenty of
other features to beat on in the meantime.)

> Also wonder if the K3 finish is identical to the powder coat 
> on the K2? 

Very different color and texture.  The K3 is a smooth satin black
(aesthetically "dark charcoal" or some more romantic color term) and very
appealing.

73,
Ed - W0YK