[Elecraft] K3 and the ARRL DX 'test

[John Harper]

I gotta say, the K3 has made a contester out of me. I've been a ham since '78 and avoided contests like the plague for over 3 decades - too much "mush"...inseparable stations, endless noise, etc - who needs the fatigue?!

But November's CQWW and this weekend's ARRL DX contests have been pure fun for me. I started out sticking my toe in the water during 1 or 2 smaller contests, then bought the K3 just under a year ago. Man, what a difference. I now see the attraction - and the addiction.

This was also the first time I've ever operated QRO (AL-811). A fly in the ointment had me back at 100 watts for a while and, while I missed the power level, I was back to QSK. I wish there was an amp that offered 500 watts *and* QSK - I hear there may be one coming soon...!

I'm in the market.

John AE5X
http://www.ae5x.com/blog