[Elecraft] K3 sub-receiver usefulness?

[KC2UEE]

Thank you Rick for your insight.  I'll look closer into my filter and
module choices, and perhaps save a bit of money in the process.

After looking at the filter plots (didn't see any for the 5-poles
though), I'll probably end up with the following:

13KHz FM filter - main only (will use for 10m FM transmit also)
6KHz AM filter - (I'm tempted to buy 2, one for the main and one for
the sub... I'll probably put the gen coverage module in the sub)
2.7KHz 5-pole; 1 in the main and 1 in the sub.
500 Hz 5 pole - main only
250 Hz 8 pole - main only

I'm mostly a SSB and 10m FM guy (local repeaters), but also do a bit
of PSK31 and RTTY when the mood strikes me.  How does this arrangement
sound at present?  As for the 6KHz AM filter, to my understanding In
order to receive and transmit AM, I will need this filter for sure.
Just not sure how many I'll need, now that I only plan to purchase one
general coverage module.  I'm not really sure which receiver would be
best suited for general coverage as well.

73,
James KC2UEE



On Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 4:59 PM, Rick Tavan N6XI <rtavan at gmail.com> wrote:
> With only one receiver you can only hear one band at a time. With the new
> firmware, however, you can set the two VFOs to different bands and flip
> between them using the A/B switch. I don't think cross-band SPLIT will be
> available at first, if ever.
>
> I use my sub-rx to monitor both a DX station and its split frequency pileup
> at the same time. Many others are using it for diversity reception with two
> antennas. I plan to do that once I have a better filter complement.
>
> Unless you plan to listen to two broadcast stations at the same time, I
> don't see any reason to put a general coverage bandpass filter in both
> receivers. Put one in the one receiver you intend to use for SWLing.
>
> I don't think it's prudent to have both the 250 and 400 Hz filters. The
> actual width of the 250 is wider and the actual width of the 400 is narrower
> so the two end up being very close to each other. If I felt a need for
> something narrower than my 400, which I don't for my operating, I would get
> the 200. The 250 and the 500 might also be a reasonable choice.
>
> I think the 200 is a tad narrow for 170 Hz RTTY but the 250 is fine.
> However, I'm guessing as I have only a little RTTY experience.
>
> Unless you need to transmit AM, you probably don't need the 6 KHz. I have
> one and it works fine but I'd just as soon use the 13 for AM SWLing. I'll
> probably sell my 6. YMMV, especially if SWLing on a band full of very loud
> BC stations (S9+40 +) is important to you.
>
> Unless you plan to do diversity reception on FM, you don't need two 13 KHz
> filters. All transmitting is done through the filters on the main board.
>
> If you want to operate SSB on crowded bands consider a 1.8 or 2.1 KHz
> filter.
>
> GL & 73,
>
> /Rick N6XI
>
> On 2/9/09, James Sarte <kc2uee at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hello group,
>>
>>
>>
>> Someone mentioned in one of the reflector emails that the new firmware
>> under development will allow independent band switching/monitoring between
>> VFO's without a sub receiver.  Am I correct in my understanding then that
>> without a sub receiver, this firmware will allow tuning and monitoring of
>> separate bands?  If that is indeed the case, can someone please clarify for
>> me how that can accomplished with a single receiver?
>>
>>
>>
>> On a separate note, apart from diversity receive, I'm curious to know how
>> other people are utilizing their sub receiver?  The reason I ask is I'm
>> finalizing my purchase of a K3, and am trying to determine whether it's
>> necessary to fully load up both receivers now.  At this point, I'm ready to
>> purchase 2 general coverage modules plus 2 each of the following filters:
>> 250KHz, 400KHz, 2.8Khz, 6KHz, 13KHz.  I'd like to have the ability to
>> monitor PSK31, FM or SW broadcast on the sub, while monitoring phone or
>> engaging in a phone QSO on the main; both receivers being on separate
>> bands.  That's just one example.  Another could be to monitor SW broadcast
>> on the main while listening to 10m FM on the sub.  Do I need to install the
>> AM or FM filters in the sub to monitor SW or FM or can the sub's DSP take
>> care of it?
>>
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> James KC2UEE
>>
>>
>>
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