[Elecraft] K3 - first impressions

[Greg - AB7R]

I really think the K3 is a great rig and THE rig to have.

That said, I would LOVE the k3 radio packaged in a larger enclosure...not quite as large as the 7800 though.  With 
a built-in display with split screen for main and sub receivers and click tune with a USB mouse.  More dedicated 
buttons and knobs...though some stuff really needs to stay in a menu.  A row of 10 dedicated PF buttons that do not 
share double duty with other functions....A built-in SO2R interface with a dedicated connections for another K3 as 
the second radio so there only needs to be one connection to a computer.  Multiple interface options (ethernet, 
USB, and serial).  The USB can also carry the audio signals to the computer eliminating more cables....2M 
transverter option....and built-in KRC2 type of interface for antenna/filter switching.   With what Elecraft has 
been able to do with the K3 they should be able to package this with allot of room to spare.  I don't think the 
radio portion would need to change at all.

-------------------------
73,
Greg - AB7R
Whidbey Island WA
NA-065


On Tue Aug 26  7:46 , "David F. Reed"  sent:

>I received my K3 yesterday, after ordering in late October last year 
>(waiting primarily to have it shipped with 2nd RX, pre-built).  After 
>having it on the bench for most of the last 24 hours and using it in a 
>side by side comparison with my IC-7800, I thought I would pass on my 
>first impressions.
>
>I am both amazed and pleased that Elecraft have continued to pack and 
>amazing radio into the size and weight of the package.
>
>I find it to perform as well or better than my IC-7800 in many areas.  
>If I had to choose between getting two fully loaded K3s or a 7800, hands 
>down, Elecraft wins. There are however a couple of things I like better 
>about the IC-7800:
>
>   1. The spectrum scope and display, with video output.
>
>   2. The availability of many features without menus; i.e. lots of
>      knobs and switches.
>
>   3. The built in power supply and 200 watts.
>
>   4. Rack mountable (19" rack panel)
>
>All of those seem tied to the battleship construction and hernia 
>inducing weight of the 7800; of these, the spectrum scope is the most 
>important to me, so I am looking into the LP-Pan as a possible solution.
>
>I have a lot more learning to do, to be able to use it more effectively 
>without constantly referring back to the manual, but so far, an amazing 
>radio.
>
>I am waiting for the MARS mod software to try it out there, and will 
>start exploring how it does in the sound card digital modes early this week.
>
>Well worth the wait; great job Elecraft!
>
>I have not figured out if it does this, but I think a worthwhile feature 
>would be to disconnect the antenna automatically on power down (my PW-1 
>does this) as a small measure of protection.
>
>73 de Dave, W5SV / NNN0SLA
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft    
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com