[Elecraft] K3 in CQ WPX CW

[Julius Fazekas]

Finally got to really put my K3 to the test this
weekend...

I'll start with the "negatives" first, please
understand that these may be strictly due to operator
ignorance:

The AGC slow, fast or off as set from the factory did
not handle MONSTER signals well. I was literally blown
out of the chair several times even with the RF gain
turned down and ATT in. These signals were pegging the
S meter. Of course, the positive thing is that was how
good some of the openings were.

The RIT was not as easy to use as on the K2. I was
used to setting the RIT and just turning it on and off
when needed with the K2. The RIT seems to reset to 0
when switched out. I didn't need it much, but there
were a few times it would have helped.

With the ATU, I had to manually bypass or switch it in
with band changes. Is it possible to have the rig
remember when it should be in and when it should be
bypassed?

If anyone has suggestions or wishes to point out the
obvious, I'm all ears ;o)

The positive:

I have never been able to pull out small signals close
to the big guys as I am with the K3. It was really
impressive how I could basically isolate these folks.

Keying via the serial line is a dream. I even run the
communications at 38400 without any issue.

I really like being able to vary BW with a knob,
sweet!

The Rx is hot. The K2 is a great receiver, the K3 tops
it.

I'm amazed at just how quiet and cool the KPA3 is
compared to the KPA100. I noticed the right side was a
little warmer along with the top when running, but
very cool rig.

The rear connectors are definitely nice. It was great
to just have a "clean" front panel.

I can't wait for a serious Top Band contest ;o)

Still learning the radio and definitely feeling much
better about it. I had some rough patches early on
with some doubts, but all were due to inexperience
with the radio. 

73,
Julius


Julius Fazekas
N2WN

Tennessee Contest Group
TnQP http://www.tnqp.org/

Elecraft K2/100 #3311
Elecraft K2/100 #4455
Elecraft K3/100 #366