[Elecraft] K3 SSB is it really better

[Björn Mohr]

Rich,

There where a lot of replies on the RX, and it's great but I also like  
to comment on the K3 when it comes to SSB TX:

Audio processing - I get great reports using the HC-4 and compression  
and its easy to setup. With the 3.5 mm audio plugs I can use any  
headset available, my preference is a DT-234 fitted with a HC-4. I  
have not used the TX audio EQ, but I am sure you can tweak other  
microphones to suit your needs with it. Another fab addition is the  
audio gate that came with the latest beta firmware. It works great in  
silencing those noisy fans for better readability.

Another thing I like is the ability to set different power levels for  
each band, makes it easier and faster to optimize drive power for the  
amp for faster band change.

One thing I am not happy with is the fact that my K3 puts 1.5 times  
the power the first 5-7 seconds after a TUNE or band change. It is  
like ALC needs some time to stabilize when I start transmitting... I  
believe it is a flaw in firmware as several others have reported the  
same or similar behavior, and support has been notified. Except for  
this, I am very happy with the K3 also for SSB contesting and DX'ing.

73 de Björn /SM0MDG




On 22 okt 2008, at 16.42, <rmthorne at suddenlink.net> <rmthorne at suddenlink.net 
 > wrote:

> I'm curious what others are finding with the K3 on SSB in contest  
> conditions.  I've had mine for a few months and the difference  
> between my mkv and the K3 is like night and day on cw.
>
> I havn't had a chance to really test it out on SSB.  I'm getting  
> ready to travel to K5NA's for CQWW and I wonder if its worth taking  
> to replace a ProIII or MKV on 20 meters which will be the money band  
> (unless 15m opens up).
>
> 20m will be a mess and I'd like to think the K3 will help with  
> crowded band conditions.
>
> Thanks
>
> Rich - N5ZC
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