[Elecraft] using K3 with THP Hl-1.5KFX amp

[Don Ehrlich]

Bob,

Others have mentioned that the cable can be purchased from Array Solutions. 
I think that is where I got mine and the cost was about $35.

I have an early K3/100, S/N 195, which I have had more than two and a half 
years.  I bought the tuner, KIO3, and general coverage modules.  The filters 
are stock 2.8 KHz for SSB, 200 Hz for CW, and 8KHz for AM.  I do not have 
the sub receiver and have not yet found a need for it sufficient to justify 
the cost but I might yet decide to get one some day.

I am primarily a CW operator and have no interest in dx or contesting.  I 
just ragchew with friends and so, for me, I rarely need to use the K3 to its 
full capabilities.  That said .. I very much value quality and like to have 
the latest and the best.  The K3 certainly satisfies that requirement.

I am not getting the P3.  I already have the LP-Pan receiver playing into a 
Creative 0202 USB sound card interface to the computer.  I run PowerSDR/IF 
software to provide a huge beautiful panadapter display as well as providing 
'point-and-shoot' radio tuning and other radio control.  Maybe some day 
Elecraft will have added capabilities to the P3 that are attractive enough 
to make me want one but that has not happened yet.  However, the LP-Pan (or 
Softrock) approach to panadapter function is somthing that only the 
technically inclined should attempt.  It is relatively complex, involves the 
need to build special cables, and requires considerable software setup.

A caution about your THP 1.5 amps:  The Tokyo manual shows where the little 
dc-dc converter is inside the amp and where the pots are that control fan 
speed.  Be careful when/if adjusting those pots because they vary the fan 
voltage from zero all the way up to 50 volts and THE FAN IS RATED ONLY FOR 
24 VOLTS!   I destroyed two fans in the amp before discovering that problem.

I have never missed a fancy color display.  I sure have not missed the need 
to PAY for one.  Those big 'fancy' radios with huge color displays (and 
panadapters) have a lot of the cost (and size and weight) of the radio 
invested in the display and built-in computer needed to drive it ... and the 
rest of the radio (the IMPORTANT part) is usually highly compromised to 
compensate.  When I look at the simple monochrome display of the K3 I see a 
radio where no expense was spared on the important parts and none wasted on 
the frills.  You should look at it that way too.

Good photos of the K3 and amp are difficult for me because of how the shack 
is arranged.  I'll try to get a photo or two of the setup tonight when it is 
dark outside (no sunlight pouring in the windows) but I am not sure I will 
be able to get the gear framed in the picture the way I will want it.


Don K7FJ
----------------

> Don,
> Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. Yes, once you find 
> the source and price of the special interface cable, please e-mail me with 
> the information.
>
> I don't have a K3 at the moment, but I have been thinking about getting 
> one sometime soon. I would get most if not all of the options factory 
> assembled. What options do you recommend?
>
> How long have you had your K3? Currently, I use two THP HL-1.5KFX amps, 
> one with an IC-7800, the other with an IC-756PROII; the third rig is a 
> Kenwood TS-870S running barefoot always. I also use a Palstar AT-AUTO and 
> a Palstar AT1KM antenna tuner.
>
> Can you send some photos to me via e-mail of your K3 and THP amp. Are you 
> getting the new P3 also?
>
> All of the rigs work well and the RX's seem to be OK, but I have heard a 
> lot of neat/good things about the K3 RX etc. I wish they had a color 
> display like some of the other HF rigs, hi!
>
> My antenna system is a Mosley TA-63N, Mosley MY-144-5 for 2 meter SSB, 
> Arrow J-pole for 2/440 and an inverted-V for 80/40 and 30 at 40 ft. on a 
> Rohn 45G tower.
>
> I use to own a K2 and K1 QRP versions. The K3 is a much nicer radio IMHO. 
> I have never used one, but I have a friend nearby who has one. I need to 
> go over to listen to the RX.
>
> Thanks again. Take care.
>
> Bob Wilderman, K3SRO