[Elecraft] Want to Buy a K3

[Jim Brown]

On 2/6/2011 7:28 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> The 400 Hz INRAD is probably the best compromise.  Wide enough for
> tuning the band but good skirts/reasonable selectivity.  The 250
> would seem to require rather critical tuning.

The words "would seem" suggests that you have not actually used the 250 
Hz filter, or have not used it much. I HAVE used both 250 Hz and 400 Hz 
8-pole filters extensively, and I do NOT feel that the 250 Hz filter is 
too narrow or that it requires "rather critical tuning." The -6dB 
bandwidth is roughly 330-350 Hz, so if you use it as K6LL has suggested 
(that is, tell the K3 it's a 400 Hz filter), it's nearly ideal for 
crowded band CW and RTTY contesting. If you want to listen wider, simply 
use the width control.

> I find the 1.5 KHz filter to be too tight (I have a couple).  It
> requires too much adjustment to be useful, particularly in the
> "heat of "battle."  The overall difference between 1500 and 1800
> in the IF doesn't mean much when using a more narrow DSP setting
> but it is significant in ease of use when tuning.

I haven't used the 1.5 kHz filter, but I use the 1.8 kHz filter 
virtually all the time for SSB contesting.  I find it rather tweaky to 
tune "just right," and I definitely would NOT want anything narrower for 
SSB.  I tell the K3 that it is a 2 kHz filter.

73, Jim K9YC