[Elecraft] K3 Initial Configuration?

[John Buck]

Hi James,

The basic K3 with no options is a fantastic value.

You will save a couple hundred dollars by assembling it your self.  No 
electronic assembly, just a lot of screws.  The mantra is read the 
assembly manual, and follow the manual exactly.  Elecraft manuals are 
far better than others I have encountered including Heathkit.
Count on spending at least 9 hours on the assembly and setup.  Even near 
total klutzes have succeeded.  Again, follow each step exactly to avoid 
problems.  Options are easy to add later but may consume some time with 
quite a few screws.

Unless you are into QRP on SSB you will want the 100 watt unit.  SSB QRP 
is really on my too hard pile.  With 100 watts and patience, I can 
usually break the dx station pile-ups.

The Second Receiver in not needed unless you are into dx pileups and 
really want to tune a second receiver to hear where the off frequency 
station is transmitting.  You can do this using the a/b or REV button on 
the single receiver although it is a bit more work.
I have the second receiver and perhaps would not have ordered it if I 
had played with LP-PAN and the computer first.  I did install the module 
with the IF port so I could have a interface to the IF for the LP-Pan 
and a separate RX antenna.  Check it out.  There is also at least one 
cheap (20 or $30) DSP radio kit that can support the available free 
software for panadapter use with a computer and a good sound card.  The 
LP pan has internal filter and HI Z buffer included that might need to 
be added for best performance of the low end unit. 

You definitely do not need additional roofing filters beyond the stock 
filter.  Remember that the dsp sets the actual bandwidth with greater 
than 100 db dynamic range inside the roofing filter.   They are easy to 
add later if you decide you want one or more.

If you can squeeze it into the budget and intend to use a variety of 
antennas you will want the excellent internal antenna tuner.  If you 
have an external tuner already you can use that for now.

So that is it.  Basic K3-100 with optional tuner.  Basic K3-100 
performance beats just about everything on the market.  As a matter of 
fact, I do not know anything that outperforms the receiver.  And the 
compression in the transmitter helps the 100 watts sound bigger without 
distortion when adjusted properly.

Make sure you have a usable microphone, Elecraft provides capability to 
interface with a variety of microphones, both biased and dynamic, with 
excellent results.  If you have something to try, do not buy another one 
yet. The internal monitor (using Headphones) allows you to adjust the 
transmit chain in test mode until it sounds right before going on the 
air.  I use an inexpensive headset most of the time.  The VOX is so 
smooth that I am not tempted to use a separate ptt switch.

You will want to plug in a stereo speaker set to get the benefit of the 
AFX effects capability.  Again not necessary immediately.

You will want a computer preferably PC with a serial output to connect 
to the K3 for firmware updates.  If your computer has USB and no RS-232 
output ports you will need
the USB to RS-232 adapter.  I suggest getting the one they sell.  Not 
all are created equal.
There is also an update program available for the Apple OS-X.  I was 
unsuccessful using it on a friend's very old apple with an early version 
of OS-X.  I was told that Apple had said that this computer was obsolete 
and could not be updated to current OS-X versions.

The Serial port performs very well with a variety of computer logging 
programs and LP-Pan I mentioned before.  If you do not have a suitable 
computer find a friend who will assist you in updating the K3 firmware.  
It is great now but continues to improve rapidly.
Update as soon as you get it assembled far enough to do so and you will 
avoid older version issues that have already been fixed.

I hope this helps.  I have had my K3 for 10 months now and end up 
smiling every time I use it.  No other radio in my 50+ years of ham 
radio has had that effect.  There is also no other radio that I 
recommend to serious new hams if they can bite the bullet for a one time 
investment.  If you order, no charge is made until shipping time.

That said, antennas are even more important than the perfect radio.  The 
two together are awesome even in our current no sunspot condition.  The 
perfect radio does very little without decent antenna.

Aloha,
John KH7T, K3 #125




James Young wrote:
> Thanks, in advance for your help! I apologize if this question has
> been asked before, but here goes.
>
> What would be the least expensive initial configuration for a new
> (factory assembled) K3? My operating preference is SSB, but I may try
> some of the digital modes at some point.
>
> I can do without the general coverate receive feature, but I'm not sure
> about the need for the second receiver for the K3. Also, will the
> stock filters (including the roofing filter) be good for awhile? What
> other options should I consider and would you recommend any of the K3
> mods that have been produced? Can the other options be easily added in
> the future?
>
> Again, thank you for your advice.
> Very 73,
> Jim K9RII
>
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