[Elecraft] Softrock panadapter for K3

[Bob]

I just finished building and installing a Softrock panadapter for my K2 and
it works beautifully - all the info that you need to build the softrock is
on the softrock files web page. Info on using it as a panadapter is on Jack
Smith's Clifton Laboratories web site... probably much more than you'd every
want to know.
 
The Softrock wasn't difficult to build, as long as you have a steady hand, a
fine tip soldering iron, and a good magnifier.  There are a number of
surface mount resistors (all of the same value) and 4 ICs that are surface
mount. All other components are through hole. The components that are
different for using the Softrock as an panadapter are all through hole
components. I don't know if the K3 IF version of Softrock is still
available, but since the component differences are all through hole, it
would be easy to find the replacement parts that are needed.
 
When I ordered the softrock some time ago, I inadvertently specified the K3
version, not the K2 version. Subsequently WB9YIG sent me the different parts
and changes needed for the K2, so I have the list of parts and differences
for both the K2 and K3 - I can give you that list if you need it.
 
In connecting the Softrock between my K2 and my computer, I followed Jack
Smith's approach to reduce noise by using isolation audio transformers, etc.
I also built and installed Jack's Z10000 IF buffer amp in my K2. For the K2,
I'm using the IF version of SDR Radio, which works along with HRD to
interface and control my K2. The SDR Radio IF apparently can control the K3
directly without using HRD.
 
73,
 
Bob W1SRB