[Elecraft] K3: advice about options to buy?

[John Ragle]

Hello, John...

     I have just such a device as the one you describe...a K3/100 
without the KTCX03-1 and with the normal factory filters. The only 
serious add-in that my box carries is a K144XV internal transverter 
(more on that anon). I operate a little SSB, more CW, and a lot of other 
digital, e.g. BPSKxx (31 and 63 mostly), Olivia, Feld Hell, WSJT, etc. I 
find that this combination works wonderfully for me. The 400 Hz filter 
is fine for the most demanding CW, but mostly my machine stays with the 
wide filter (FL1).

     Now, about the internal 2 meter transverter. This was a Christmas 
present from the wife. It installed very well, and seems to function 
superbly. Unfortunately, the 10 watt (actually 9 watts in my case) is 
not sufficient to drive my 2 meter amp to more than about 60% power. I 
would have been better off with the external transverter, and I may just 
get one.

     The only downside to the external one is that it makes portable 
operation a bit more complex...more cables, more pieces, and so on...but 
one could argue that it is unlikely that I would carry the external 
transverter anyhow, since the high-power 2 meter amp and its gargantuan 
power supply (60 lbs) are never going to go portable. You can see that I 
am bedeviled by this matter. [not the Tasmanian kind!]

     I believe you would be perfectly happy with a plain-vanilla version 
of the K3/100.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

P.S. Wasn't the K2/100 a blast? I also built one from scratch and loved 
it. During a misguided fit of anti-Luddite sentiment, I swapped it off 
for a Flex 3000, which was a SERIOUS mistake, rectified by purchase of 
my K3/100. I won't say that I sent the Flex to Botany Bay, just to San 
Francisco Bay...

=====

On 1/5/2011 4:11 AM, VK7JB wrote:
> Hello group,
>
> My mouse is hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for a K3/100 modular kit.
> I'd really value some candid advice about options before I commit.
>
> My situation:  I'm a casual operator, data modes, SSB and CW.  I rarely need
> to contend with crowded bands and don't currently work contests.  I built a
> K2/100 which I love.  I intend to get the General Coverage BPF module and
> the KAT3.
>
> My question:  Given my situation, would I benefit from the extra investment
> in the KTCX03-1 high stability reference oscillator and/or the 2.8-2.7
> filter swap option?
>
> About filters:  which would you recommend I buy, given my casual-mode
> operation? I anticipate working more CW and less phone as I become more
> proficient in CW.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.  I have had a look through the archives:
> there's a lot of info but I'm still uncertain.
>
> John
> VK7JB