[Elecraft] K3 - first impressions

[Iain MacDonnell - K6IAM]

So what we need is a K3 "docking station" - when you bring your K3 home
from field day / DXpedidion / whatever, you drop it into the bigger
enclosure, with the fancy display, more knobs and buttons, etc, and
hook up a big interface cable of some sort ... seems like it should be
feasible...

     ~Iain



Greg - AB7R wrote on 08/26/08 08:28 AM:
> 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
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